Description
Sophisticated yet simple vegetarian appetizers featuring creamy pumpkin ricotta spread, crispy fried sage leaves, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (500g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) pure pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 long baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch diagonal slices
- 1 large bunch fresh sage leaves (about 30 leaves)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hot honey
- Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
- Balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and uniform. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cover and refrigerate to firm up slightly.
- Preheat a toaster oven or broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Fry sage leaves in batches for 30-60 seconds per side until crispy and dark green. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt.
- Spread a generous layer (2-3 tablespoons) of the pumpkin ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top each crostini with one or two crispy sage leaves.
- Drizzle each crostini with hot honey just before serving. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
Do not assemble with hot honey until right before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. The ricotta mixture and fried sage can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Ensure pumpkin puree is thick; if using canned, drain excess liquid. Use flaky sea salt for better texture and flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: pumpkin ricotta crostini, baby shower appetizers, vegetarian appetizer, fall recipes, hot honey, sage crostini, easy party food