Lemon Ricotta Crostini are a simple, yet elegant appetizer made with creamy ricotta, bright lemon, fragrant basil, and a touch of honey. They’re fresh, flavorful and easy to assemble in just minutes making the perfect for entertaining, a light snack or as a starter for dinner parties.
This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information.
If you’re looking for a quick appetizer that impresses, these Lemon Ricotta Crostini are exactly what you need. The creamy ricotta is perfectly balanced with zesty lemon, sweet honey and aromatic basil, making them light, fresh and crowd-pleasing. They’re also versatile: serve them as a snack, an appetizer at your next dinner party or as part of a brunch spread.
Try pairing them with other crostini recipes like Peach and Goat Cheese or classic Bruschetta with Mozzarella Cheese for options everyone will love.
What Are Lemon Ricotta Crostini?
Lemon Ricotta Crostini are small, toasted slices of baguette topped with a creamy ricotta mixture flavored with fresh lemon and drizzled with honey. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds color and a fragrant, herbal note.
They’re a delicious, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for parties, light lunches or brunch. Compared to heavier crostini options, the lemon and honey make these feel fresh and bright, ideal for spring and summer entertaining.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bright and fresh flavor: Lemon and honey complement the creamy ricotta beautifully.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes once the bread is sliced.
- Crowd-pleasing: Elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight snack.
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
- 1/2 baguette (cut into 12 slices about 1/4-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (cut into ribbons)
The entire recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep!
Cut the baguette into 12 slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Zest and juice the lemon. Slice the basil into ribbons by stacking the leaves, rolling them up and cutting thinly.
Create!
Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-3 minutes per side to toast, watching closely to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
Add the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Spread a heaping tablespoon of ricotta onto each toasted crostini and drizzle with honey.
Present!
Garnish with basil and extra lemon zest, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips and Techniques
- Slice evenly: Cut the bread into uniform 1/4-inch slices to ensure even toasting.
- Watch the broiler: Broil for 1-3 minutes per side and stay close. Bread can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Spread evenly: Use a heaping tablespoon of ricotta per slice and smooth it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Serve fresh: Assemble just before serving to keep the crostini crisp and the toppings fresh.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keep assembled crostini in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Honey and ricotta may soak into the bread, so it’s best to assemble close to serving time.
- Make Ahead: Toast the crostini slices and store separately. Spread ricotta and drizzle honey just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can toast the crostini slices a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container and assemble with ricotta, lemon, honey, and basil just before serving.
Can I substitute honey with something else?
Yes! Maple syrup or agave works for a different sweet note.
Can I use a different bread?
Baguette works best for a crisp texture, but a sturdy ciabatta or sourdough thinly sliced also works.
More Appetizer Recipes
Love this Lemon Ricotta Crostini recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more.
If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Lemon Crostini (with Honey and Basil)
Ingredients
- 1/2 baguette (cut into 12 slices about 1/4-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (cut into ribbons)
Instructions
- Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.1/2 baguette, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-3 minutes per side to toast, watching closely to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- Add the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth.1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, pepper
- Spread a heaping tablespoon of ricotta onto each toasted crostini and drizzle with honey.2 tablespoons honey
- Garnish with basil and extra lemon zest, if desired.1 tablespoon fresh basil
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice evenly: Cut the bread into uniform 1/4-inch slices to ensure even toasting.
- Watch the broiler: Broil for 1-3 minutes per side and stay close. Bread can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Spread evenly: Use a heaping tablespoon of ricotta per slice and smooth it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Serve fresh: Assemble just before serving to keep the crostini crisp and the toppings fresh.
- Refrigerator: Keep assembled crostini in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Honey and ricotta may soak into the bread, so it’s best to assemble close to serving time.
- Make Ahead: Toast the crostini slices and store separately. Spread ricotta and drizzle honey just before serving for the best texture.
Leave a Reply