If you love a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, salty, and sweet flavors, then you are going to adore this Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe. Imagine slices of toasted baguette topped with velvety ricotta cheese, crispy crumbly bacon, a hint of freshly cracked pepper, and a drizzle of honey that brings everything together in one unforgettable bite. This dish is ridiculously easy to make but feels so special, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for friends or enjoying a quick gourmet snack at home. It’s a truly irresistible combination that celebrates simple ingredients at their finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and color. From the crunch of the toasted baguette to the luscious ricotta and smoky bacon, every item contributes something unique and essential.
- Baguette: A fresh, long baguette slices nicely and holds the toppings perfectly without becoming soggy.
- Olive oil: Brushing the bread with olive oil helps it toast up golden and crisp with a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every bite and balance the flavors thoughtfully.
- Ricotta (room temperature): Creamy and mild, this produces the perfect smooth base layer for the crostini.
- Thick-cut bacon: Provides a satisfying crunch and smoky richness that pairs flawlessly with the ricotta.
- Honey: A light drizzle adds a subtle sweetness to offset the salty bacon and peppery notes.
How to Make Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the baguette into about thirty even slices. Each slice will become the perfect crispy base for all those delicious toppings.
Step 2: Oil and Season the Toasts
Next, brush each side of the baguette slices with olive oil. If you happen to have an olive oil mister, it works beautifully for an even coat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on one or both sides, depending on how much seasoning you like. This simple step ensures maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Arrange the slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip each slice over and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to achieve a lightly toasted, golden texture that still holds a little softness inside. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
While the bread is toasting, finely chop the raw bacon. Cook the bacon pieces in a heavy skillet over medium heat until they become crisp and browned. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease; this keeps them crunchy and flavorful.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta
Put the ricotta in a medium bowl and stir it until creamy and smooth. Optionally, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance its flavor. The ricotta’s cool creaminess acts as the perfect contrast to the salty bacon.
Step 6: Assemble the Crostini
Once the toasts have cooled enough to handle, spoon a generous dollop of ricotta onto the center of each slice. Then top with a sprinkle of the crispy bacon bits, covering each crostini in irresistible crunch.
Step 7: Final Touches
Finish everything with a dash of freshly ground black pepper and a touch more salt, if you like. The final flourish is a light drizzle of honey that brings a beautiful sweetness to the dish, elevating the flavor profile to something truly special.
How to Serve Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
These crostini are charmingly simple but can become even more vibrant with thoughtful garnishes. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives can add a burst of color and fresh aroma that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and creamy ricotta.
Side Dishes
Serve your Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a more complete meal. The crostini also work wonderfully as an appetizer at cocktail parties or family gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, arrange the crostini fan-like on a rustic wooden board and scatter edible flowers or microgreens around them. This not only looks stunning but adds an extra layer of texture and taste that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crostini, store the toasted baguette slices separately from the ricotta and bacon toppings. Keep the bread in an airtight container to retain crispness and refrigerate the toppings in a sealed dish to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While the assembled crostini do not freeze well, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices on their own. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and toast again lightly after thawing to refresh their crispiness before assembling.
Reheating
To enjoy the leftovers at their best, reheat the toasted bread alone in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes until crisp. Then add fresh ricotta, bacon, and honey to maintain the crostini’s original textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will work fine, although thick-cut gives a heartier texture and may hold up better on the crostini. Just cook until crispy no matter what type you choose.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese can make good alternatives. They offer a similar creamy texture but will slightly alter the taste.
How long do these crostini stay fresh after assembling?
Once assembled, it’s best to eat them within a couple of hours to enjoy the crispness of the bread and freshness of the ricotta and bacon. They don’t hold up well if left out too long.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the baguette for gluten-free bread slices and follow the same steps. Just watch the toasting time as gluten-free bread can toast faster.
What other toppings could I add to this Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe?
Feel free to get creative by adding slices of roasted pear, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a kick. Each addition brings a new dimension to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes because it combines such a simple ingredient list with extraordinary flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy snack, these crostini hit all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that incredible harmony of creamy ricotta, crispy bacon, and sweet honey for yourself!
Print
Bacon Ricotta Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 30 crostini (serves 10)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Bacon Ricotta Crostini are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy bacon and creamy ricotta on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack, these easy-to-make crostini bring together simple ingredients with an elegant twist.
Ingredients
Bread and Oil
- 1 long baguette
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ricotta Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Bacon and Topping
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon
- Honey, for drizzling
- Freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Slice Bread: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette into about 30 even pieces, suitable for crostini.
- Oil and Season Bread: Lightly coat each side of the bread slices with olive oil using a pastry brush or an olive oil mister. Sprinkle salt and pepper on one or both sides to enhance flavor.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly toasted but not necessarily browned. Allow them to cool for a few minutes afterwards.
- Cook the Bacon: Finely chop the raw bacon. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces until they become crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Prepare Ricotta: In a medium bowl, stir the ricotta cheese until smooth. Optionally, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to taste and mix well.
- Assemble Crostini: Once the toasts are cool enough to handle, spoon a dollop of the ricotta mixture onto the center of each slice. Top each with a sprinkle of the crispy bacon pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and additional salt if desired. Drizzle each crostini lightly with honey for a subtle sweetness. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- Room temperature ricotta spreads more easily and tastes better.
- If you prefer less salty crostini, adjust or omit the added salt in the ricotta and bread seasoning.
- Crispy bacon adds a nice texture contrast but can be substituted with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Use a serrated knife to prevent squashing the baguette slices when cutting.
- These crostini are best served fresh but can be assembled shortly before serving and kept refrigerated for up to a few hours.
