Caramelized Apple Ricotta Crostini (Printer-Friendly Version)
Crisp crostini layered with creamy ricotta and warm, spiced caramelized apples finished with maple syrup.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crostini
01 -
1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Ricotta Spread
03 -
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
04 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 -
1 teaspoon honey
06 -
Pinch of salt
→ Caramelized Apples
07 -
2 medium Gala apples, sliced
08 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
10 -
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 -
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 -
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
13 -
Splash pure vanilla extract
→ Finishing
14 -
Drizzle pure maple syrup
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
02 -
Combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, honey, and salt in a bowl. Whip with a fork to blend zest thoroughly and achieve a light, creamy texture. Chill until ready to use.
03 -
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices and cook 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and vanilla extract. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are richly golden and caramelized. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
04 -
Spread a generous layer of ricotta mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Top with caramelized apples and finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Use day-old baguette for optimal crunch when toasted.
02 -
Allow apples to caramelize slowly and avoid overcrowding the pan for richer flavor.
03 -
Chill the ricotta spread for better consistency and spreadability.
04 -
Assemble crostini just before serving to maintain crisp texture.