This delightful dish bursts with vibrant colors and flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine the sweet crunch of fresh peas paired with creamy ricotta on crispy bread; it’s a celebration of spring in every bite.
Now picture this: a sunny afternoon picnic where friends gather around a table adorned with fresh flowers and laughter fills the air. This Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini is not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-prepare dish combines fresh flavors with creamy textures that elevate any gathering.
- The bright green peas and white ricotta create a stunning visual contrast on crispy crostini.
- Perfect for brunches or as an elegant appetizer at parties, these bites are sure to impress your guests.
I remember serving this crostini at my last garden party, and everyone raved about how refreshing it tasted. It was a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Green Peas: Use sweet garden peas for the best flavor; frozen peas work too if you’re in a pinch.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it adds richness to each bite.
- Baguette: A crusty baguette is ideal; slice it thinly for the perfect crunch.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens the dish with a zesty kick; freshly grated zest is always best.
- Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; drizzle generously over crostini.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
- Fresh Mint or Basil: Optional but adds a lovely herbal note; choose based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Bake the Bread: Drizzle olive oil over each slice of bread. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to burnt faster than you can say “crostini.”
Mash the Peas: In a bowl, combine fresh peas with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Lightly mash them with a fork—just enough to mix without losing all their shape.
Add Ricotta: Fold creamy ricotta cheese into the pea mixture until well combined. You want it smooth yet still textured—like cloud fluff mingling with fresh grass.
Assemble Your Crostini: Spread the pea-ricotta mixture generously on each toasted baguette slice. Don’t skimp—this is where all the magic happens!
Garnish and Serve: Top each crostini with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle fresh mint or basil over them if desired. Serve immediately while they’re still warm.
Enjoying these vibrant bites will transport you straight into springtime bliss!
You Must Know
- Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini is incredibly simple yet impressively delicious.
- The combination of fresh peas and creamy ricotta creates a vibrant dish that’s perfect for spring gatherings.
- Don’t forget to top with a drizzle of olive oil for that gourmet touch.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crostini first. Toast your bread slices until golden, then blend the peas while they cool. Assemble with ricotta and seasonings for the best flavor balance.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peas for asparagus or add mint for an extra zing. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes if you fancy a hint of heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven for crispy perfection, but enjoy fresh whenever possible.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal crunch, ensure your bread is well-toasted before adding toppings.
- Fresh herbs elevate flavors; don’t skip them!
- Use high-quality ricotta; it makes a world of difference in creaminess and flavor.
I remember the first time I served these crostini at a garden party; everyone raved about them! It felt wonderful to share something so simple yet delightful.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peas for Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before blending for a quick and easy option.
What type of bread works best for crostini?
Baguette slices or ciabatta are perfect choices for achieving that ideal crunch.
How long can I store leftover crostini toppings?
You can keep leftover toppings in the fridge for up to three days; just assemble fresh before serving.
Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini
Savor the vibrant flavors of spring with our Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini. This delightful appetizer combines fresh peas, creamy ricotta, and crispy bread for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Fresh green peas
- Ricotta cheese
- Baguette
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh mint or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each slice.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, watching closely to avoid burning.
- In a bowl, combine fresh peas with lemon zest, salt, and pepper; lightly mash with a fork.
- Fold in creamy ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Generously spread the pea-ricotta mixture on each toasted baguette slice.
- Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh mint or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute fresh peas with asparagus for a different flavor profile.
- Add chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat!
- For best results, use high-quality ingredients like whole milk ricotta and fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
