15-Minute Quick Ricotta Honey Toast
Whipped ricotta on crisp grilled baguette, topped with crushed pistachios, honey, and fresh lemon zest—a simple, protein-rich appetizer ready in under 15 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Grill or ribbed cast iron skillet
- 1 Hand-held or stand mixer
- 1 Microplane or fine zester
- 1 Small serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette sliced into 10 pieces
- 2 –4 Tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 Cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 –2 Tablespoons Roasted salted pistachios, crushed
- Honey for drizzling
- Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the Baguette with Precision: Begin by placing your baguette on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp bread knife, slice the baguette at a slight angle to create larger, elongated pieces. Aim for uniform thickness so that each slice toasts evenly. You should have about ten pieces. Arranging them neatly ensures each bite has the perfect balance of crispy bread and creamy topping.
- Brush Bread with Olive Oil: Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil. This step is essential to achieve a golden, crispy exterior when grilling, and it adds a subtle richness that complements the ricotta and honey.
- Grill the Baguette to Golden Perfection: Preheat your grill or ribbed cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the oiled baguette slices directly on the grill or skillet. Toast each side for 1–2 minutes, or until the bread develops grill marks and a slightly crisp texture. Watch carefully to prevent burning. The result should be warm, crunchy, and fragrant slices ready to support the toppings.
- Season the Toast Base: Once grilled, transfer the baguette slices to a serving board or plate. Sprinkle each slice lightly with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor. The salt balances the sweetness of the honey and enriches the overall taste profile. A light touch is key—just enough to bring out flavor without overpowering the ricotta.
- Whip the Ricotta Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of whole milk ricotta along with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Using a hand-held or stand mixer, whip the mixture on medium speed for 1 minute until it becomes smooth, airy, and spreadable. Whipping the ricotta ensures a light, creamy texture that is easy to spread and melts slightly over the warm bread.
- Prepare the Pistachio Garnish: Take 1–2 tablespoons of roasted and salted pistachios and place them in a small bowl. Use a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or food processor to crush the nuts into coarse pieces. The pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the creamy ricotta and sweet honey.
- Assemble the Ricotta Toast: Spread a generous spoonful of the whipped ricotta onto each grilled baguette slice. Ensure that the ricotta covers the surface evenly to create a stable base for the toppings. Sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the ricotta, adding both texture and flavor.
- Drizzle Honey for Sweetness: Using a small spoon, drizzle honey over each ricotta-covered toast slice. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the creamy ricotta and nutty pistachios.Adjust the amount based on your taste preference—light for subtle sweetness or a generous drizzle for a dessert-like touch.
- Finish with Lemon Zest: Finally, use a microplane or fine zester to sprinkle fresh lemon zest over each slice. The citrus aroma brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing that elevates this simple appetizer to a gourmet treat.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Arrange the ricotta honey toasts on a serving platter or board. They are best enjoyed immediately while the bread is warm and crispy, the ricotta is light and fluffy, and the toppings are fresh. Pair with a crisp salad, fresh fruit, or a chilled glass of white wine for a complete, satisfying snack or appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the baguette at an angle for larger, elegant pieces.
- Extra virgin olive oil enhances browning and adds subtle flavor—don’t skip it.
- Whipping the ricotta makes it airy and easier to spread; avoid overmixing.
- Toast the bread just before assembling to keep it crisp; stale bread can be revived in a toaster.
- Adjust honey drizzle based on sweetness preference; a light touch is enough for balanced flavor.
- Fresh lemon zest adds brightness—avoid pre-packaged zest for the best aroma and taste.
- Crushed pistachios can be swapped with almonds or walnuts if desired.
