Crisp toasts, cherries, sweetened ricotta and pitachios are layered to make these fabulous elegant party appetizers!
CHERRY PISTACHIO CROSTINI
If you are thinking about “perfect appetizers” then crostini, like Cherry Pistachio Ricotta Crostini, has to be at the top of the list. They’re totally elegant but simple to make in just a few minutes. And the variety of what you can put on these little toast slices is endless.
I like to serve crostini for game days, wine parties and at the holidays, but they are good for whenever. It’s a great way to serve seasonal fruit too, like Blueberry Honey Whipped Ricotta Crostini, or budget ingredients like super Easy Egg Dill Crostini. Make the topping with food you love and it will always taste good!
What is Crostini?
Crostini is an Italian word that means means “little crust”. It’s usually served as small slices of toasted bread topped with a savory or sweet topping and served as an appetizer.
For a great time saver, you can buy already toasted crostini. All you need to do is pile on the toppings!
Ingredients Needed For Cherry Pistachio Ricotta Crostini
- Cherries – I used fresh cherries for this recipe. Use a cherry pitter to pit each cherry before you start.
- Brown Sugar – light or dark brown sugar are both fine.
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Ricotta Cheese – we like the full fat variety.
- Heavy Cream – whipping cream is perfect if that’s what you have.
- Cayenne – just a pinch for heat. Try a dash of sriracha instead!
- Butter – we always use unsalted butter for our recipes. It let’s the cook control the amount of salt!
- French Bread Loaf – look for the large 16-ounce loaf that’s about 24-inches long.
- Pistachios – for convenience we buy the shelled and salted variety.
Substitutions and Add-Ins for Cherry Pistachio Crostini
- Try cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of the Ricotta cheese.
- Substitute seasonal fruit like blueberries, strawberries or figs for the cherries.
- Olive oil is a great alternative to buttering the bread. Brush on a thin layer before baking.
- Instead of pistachios, sprinkle on toasted walnuts or pecans. Candied pecans are especially delicious!
How To Make Cherry Pistachio Crostini
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Spread both sides of the bread slices with a very thin coat of butter. Place slices on the sheet pan and bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the bread is starting to brown. Set the pan aside to let the bread cool.
- While the bread slices are baking, add cherries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to a medium-size bowl. Stir and set the mixture aside for the flavors to blend.
- To a food processor or blender, add the ricotta cheese, cream, salt and cayenne. Pulse until the ricotta and cream are blended and smooth.
- Spread the bread with the cheese mixture, dividing it equally among the slices.
- Top the cheese with a spoonful of cherries, dividing equally among the slices. Sprinkle each with pistachios.
- Transfer to a serving tray and enjoy!
Can I Freeze Crostini?
Sure can! To freeze the baked crostini (no toppings), place cooled crostini into a zippered plastic freezer bag and seal out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Remove the crostini from the freezer one to two hours before serving. They should remain crisp, but can be re-crisped in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
More Great Appetizers To Enjoy
- Blueberry Honey Crostini
- Roast Beef and Havarti Cheese Crostini
- Mini Grilled Cheese Appetizer
- Easy Egg Dill Crostini
- Mini Grilled Cheese with Apple
Cherry Pistachio Ricotta Crostini
Crisp toasts, cherries, sweetened ricotta and pitachios are layered to make these fabulous elegant party appetizers!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounce whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- pinch of salt
- pinch of cayenne
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 loaf french bread cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 24 slices)
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread both sides of bread slices with a very thin coat of butter. Place slices on a sheet pan and bake in preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes until edges are crisp. Set aside to cool.
- While the bread slices are baking, add cherries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to a medium bowl. Stir and set aside to macerate.
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the ricotta cheese, cream, salt and cayenne. Pulse until ricotta is smooth.
- Spread cooled bread with cheese mixture, dividing equally among the slices.
- Top the cheese with a spoonful of cherries, dividing equally among the slices. Sprinkle with pistachios.
- Transfer to a serving tray and enjoy!
Equipment Used
Nutrition Facts
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