Save Impress your guests with this Hot Honey Ricotta Bruschetta, a vibrant Italian-American appetizer that balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Crispy toasted baguette slices serve as the perfect base for airy whipped ricotta, finished with a generous drizzle of spicy honey and a satisfying chili crunch.
Save The key to this recipe is the whipped ricotta spread, which is lightened with a touch of heavy cream and brightened with lemon zest. When paired with the warmth of the red pepper-infused honey, it creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 baguette (sliced into ½-inch rounds), 2 tbsp olive oil
- Ricotta Spread: 1 cup (250 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp heavy cream, ½ tsp lemon zest, pinch of salt
- Hot Honey: ¼ cup (60 ml) honey, ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Toppings: 2 tbsp chili crisp or chili crunch, flaky sea salt, fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the Baguette
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast for 7–9 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Whip the Ricotta
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, heavy cream, lemon zest, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Infuse the Honey
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes (do not boil), then remove from heat and let infuse.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bruschetta
- Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the whipped ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Step 5: Add Toppings
- Drizzle each slice with the warm hot honey and top with a small spoonful of chili crunch.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while the bread is crisp.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the lightest possible texture for your spread, use a hand mixer or whisk to incorporate enough air into the ricotta. Ensure the honey is warmed gently rather than boiled to maintain its consistency and avoid scorching the pepper flakes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the baguette with sourdough or ciabatta. This recipe can be made vegan by using a plant-based ricotta alternative and substituting the honey with agave nectar.
Serviervorschläge
This bruschetta is best served immediately after assembly to prevent the bread from softening. It works perfectly as a stand-alone appetizer or as part of a larger Mediterranean-style grazing board.
Save Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick gourmet snack, this Hot Honey Ricotta Bruschetta delivers a perfect bite every time. Enjoy the spicy, sweet, and creamy harmony!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
The whipped ricotta can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The honey infusion keeps for a week at room temperature. Toast the bread just before serving for optimal texture.
- → What's the best bread to use?
A traditional French baguette offers ideal structure and toast. Sourdough adds tangy depth, while ciabatta provides an airy interior. Slice uniformly for even cooking.
- → How spicy is the heat level?
Starting with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes yields mild warmth. Increase to 1 teaspoon or choose a hotter chili crisp for more intensity. The honey tempers the spice beautifully.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute almond or cashew-based ricotta alternatives. Swap honey for agave syrup to keep it plant-based while maintaining the sweet-spicy balance.
- → Should the honey be served warm?
Warm honey drizzles more easily and infuses better with pepper flakes. It can be reheated gently before serving, though room temperature works fine if made ahead.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Assembled pieces lose their crisp quickly—enjoy immediately. Store components separately: toasted bread in a paper bag, ricotta and honey refrigerated in sealed containers.