Name: Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, cut into ½-inch slices; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (assorted colours), diced; ½ tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup whole milk ricotta; 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving); ½ teaspoon honey; 1 + ½ tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, thyme, oregano, or chives), finely chopped; 1 small clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 52 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, simple appetizer that never fails to impress, you have to try my Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe. I absolutely love how the creamy, fluffy ricotta pairs with the bright, juicy tomatoes and crispy bread—it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just want a tasty snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Creamy Texture: The whipped ricotta is so light and smooth, it almost melts in your mouth.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: The tomato topping brings a pop of freshness that balances perfectly with the rich ricotta.
Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 20 minutes, even on a busy day.
Versatile and Fun: It’s a fantastic starter for dinner parties, and you can customize the toppings however you like.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. I always recommend getting good-quality ricotta and ripe tomatoes to really let the flavors shine through.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe - Ingredients

French baguette: Choose a fresh baguette with a crisp crust so it toasts up nicely.
Cherry tomatoes: I like to use assorted colors for a beautiful presentation and varied flavor.
Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key for that fruity, peppery kick.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Whole milk ricotta: The creamier the ricotta, the better—look for fresh, not grainy.
Honey: Just a touch for a subtle sweetness in the ricotta.
Fresh herbs: I often use basil and chives for that fresh herbal lift.
Garlic: A little minced garlic adds a punch without overpowering.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe is—once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to get creative with toppings and herbs to make it your own.

Fruit topping: I once swapped the tomatoes for sliced figs and a drizzle of honey—my family went crazy over that sweet-savory combo.
Grilled vegetables: Try thinly sliced grilled zucchini or roasted peppers for a smoky twist.
Herb swaps: If you only have dried herbs on hand, just use about a third of the fresh amount and add them during whipping.
Olive medley: Chopped pitted olives add a salty, briny punch that pairs perfectly with ricotta.

How to Make Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. I like to bake them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re just golden and crispy but not too hard. If you over-toast, the bread can get brittle, so keep a close eye toward the end. This step gives a wonderful crunch that’s essential for the crostini.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Topping

While the bread is toasting, toss your diced cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Letting this mixture sit for a few minutes helps the tomatoes release their juices, which adds extra flavor to the topping. I sometimes stir in finely chopped fresh basil here for a bit more herbal freshness.

Step 3: Whip the Ricotta

This is my favourite part! In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whisk for about a minute until the texture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a mixer, a food processor works wonderfully too. The whipped ricotta is so much better than plain ricotta—the light, airy texture makes all the difference.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

Spread a generous spoonful of the whipped ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice, then top with a scoop of the tomato mixture. I like to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top and add a pinch of fresh cracked pepper to finish. This assembly is quick, but looks so elegant on the platter.

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Pro Tips for Making Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe

Use Fresh Ricotta: I learned that fresh ricotta makes all the difference in texture—avoid pre-packaged ricotta that’s too dry or grainy.
Don’t Overdo the Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way; too much can overpower the delicate ricotta flavor.
Toast Bread Close to Serving Time: To keep that perfect crunch, toast your baguette slices just before assembling.
Adjust Herbs to Taste: I often swap or omit herbs depending on what I have—fresh herbs always lift the flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish these crostini with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped chives for color and freshness. Sometimes a light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that brightens things up even more. I find these small touches really elevate the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Pair these crostini with a light salad or a charcuterie board for a lovely appetizer spread. My family often enjoys them alongside a crisp white wine and some marinated olives—makes for a relaxed, elegant afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the crostini on large wooden boards with clusters of cherry tomatoes still on the vine. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top makes the presentation pop and feels extra special without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover whipped ricotta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the tomato topping separate so it stays fresh and juicy. The toasted baguette is best eaten fresh but you can keep it in a sealed bag for a day if needed.

Freezing

Freezing the whipped ricotta crostini isn’t ideal because the bread and tomatoes don’t hold up well to freezing. However, you can freeze plain whipped ricotta in an airtight container for about 1 month and thaw in the fridge before using.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the toasted bread, pop it in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh the crispness. I avoid reheating the ricotta and tomatoes—they’re best served at room temperature for the freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta for this recipe?

You can, but whole milk ricotta creates a creamier, richer texture that’s key to achieving that whipped, fluffy consistency I love. If using part-skim, consider adding a touch of cream or milk to help with smoothness.
How far in advance can I prepare the components?

You can prep the whipped ricotta and tomato topping a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. The baguette is best toasted just before serving to maintain its crunch.
What herbs work best in this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe?

Fresh basil, chives, mint, and thyme all work beautifully. I usually pick whatever herbs I have on hand; they each bring a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

For a vegan version, try swapping ricotta for a plant-based soft cheese like almond or cashew-based spreads. Keep the olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes the same for a bright, fresh flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Tomato Topping Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those effortless dishes that feels indulgent without being fussy. Every time I make it, I get comments on how fresh and elegant it tastes, and it’s become a beloved classic for sharing with friends. I hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is and how quickly it disappears from the plate!