What type of bread works best for honey ricotta peach crostini?

Crusty breads like baguette or ciabatta work best because they hold the toppings well while adding a satisfying crunch. Slicing the bread about ½ inch thick provides a sturdy base and attractive presentation.

Can I make honey ricotta peach crostini vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pancetta or prosciutto and add toppings such as roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs to maintain flavor and texture. The ricotta and peaches provide a delicious vegetarian-friendly core.

How can I choose the right peaches for crostini?

Choose peaches that are fragrant, sweet, juicy but still firm enough to slice thinly without falling apart. Slightly underripe peaches hold their shape better, while fully ripe peaches provide maximum sweetness.

Is there a substitute for ricotta in this recipe?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, goat cheese, or vegan cream cheese for different flavors and dietary needs. Whipping any of these substitutes improves texture and spreadability.

Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini with Pancetta Crisp

Description

🍑 Enjoy a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with every bite of these peach and honey crostini, perfect for any elegant occasion.
🥖 Impress your guests effortlessly with these simple yet gourmet treats, combining creamy ricotta, fresh peaches, and crispy pancetta.

Ingredients

Scale

16 baguette slices (or 10–15 slices based on size preference)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta (or substitute with prosciutto or other cured meats)
1 cup whole milk ricotta
1–1/2 tablespoons honey (consider hot honey for a kick)
1–3 large peaches, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced)
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil (alternatives include cilantro or mint)
Fresh cracked pepper (optional)
Flaky salt (optional for added texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare Bread: Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Grill them for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy, or bake at 450°F for 5-8 minutes. Let cool to prevent sogginess.
2. Cook Pancetta: Cook pancetta over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to cool.
3. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Whisk together ricotta, honey, and fresh cracked pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Optionally, whip ricotta for extra fluffiness.
4. Assemble Crostini: Spread about 1 tablespoon of ricotta mixture onto each baguette slice. Top with sliced peaches, pancetta or prosciutto, and a basil leaf.
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle each crostini with balsamic glaze and hot honey, then sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

🧀 Prepare the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate for convenience.
🥯 Grill or bake the bread up to 6 hours in advance to save time during assembly.
🍑 Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture; you can also switch to other fruits like strawberries or plums if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 crostini
Calories: n/a
Sugar: n/a
Sodium: n/a
Fat: n/a
Saturated Fat: n/a
Unsaturated Fat: n/a
Trans Fat: n/a
Carbohydrates: n/a
Fiber: n/a
Protein: n/a
Cholesterol: n/a