Fresh Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Pea Shoots and Lemon Zest
A quick and easy snack featuring airy whipped ricotta spread on toasted baguette slices, topped with fresh pea shoots and bright lemon zest. Perfect for casual get-togethers or a light indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- Baguette or rustic bread, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh pea shoots (about 30 g)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 g)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/4-inch thick pieces and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake slices for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp around edges. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Transfer ricotta to a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of sea salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Whip with an electric mixer or whisk for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, resembling softly whipped cream.
- Wash and pat dry pea shoots. Zest one lemon carefully to avoid white pith, collecting about 1 teaspoon zest.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of whipped ricotta over each toasted baguette slice.
- Top each with a small handful of pea shoots and sprinkle lemon zest on top.
- Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp bread and fresh toppings.
Notes
If ricotta is watery, drain in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for 30 minutes before whipping. For limp pea shoots, soak briefly in ice water and dry. Whip ricotta at cool room temperature for best texture. Thin bread slices toast faster but thicker slices hold toppings better. Store components separately if prepping ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: ricotta crostini, whipped ricotta, pea shoots, lemon zest, easy snack, appetizer, quick recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option