Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini Recipe
These Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini are a delightful appetizer combining crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy, lightly seasoned ricotta cheese and sweet, tender caramelized apples. Finished with a drizzle of honey and fragrant fresh herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Caramelized Apples
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
- Prepare the Crostini: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Caramelize the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon onto the apples, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the apples become tender and caramelized, releasing a delicious sweetness.
- Prepare the Ricotta: In a small bowl, season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the warm caramelized apples.
- Drizzle with Honey: Add a light drizzle of honey over the apple and ricotta topping to enhance the sweetness and add moisture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary leaves over the crostini for an aromatic and colorful finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve these crostini while still warm to enjoy the contrast of crisp bread, creamy ricotta, and warm apples at their best.
Notes
- Choose tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Brushing the baguette slices with olive oil before baking ensures even browning and crispiness.
- You can substitute fresh herbs based on preference or omit for a simple sweet appetizer.
- For a vegan version, replace ricotta cheese with almond or cashew-based cheese alternatives and use vegan butter.
- Serve these crostini as an appetizer for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet-savory snack anytime.
Keywords: caramelized apple crostini, ricotta cheese appetizer, easy crostini recipe, fall appetizers, sweet and savory crostini
