Delightful Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini Recipe: Fresh Bites of Joy

Crisp spring days call for a delightful pea & ricotta crostini that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary celebration.

Bright green peas burst with freshness on each carefully toasted slice.

Creamy ricotta provides a luxurious backdrop for these vibrant little gems.

Mediterranean flavors dance across the palate with surprising elegance.

Guests will marvel at how something so uncomplicated can taste so remarkable.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this quick and charming appetizer.

You won’t believe how easily gourmet magic happens right in your kitchen.

What Makes Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini Delightful

• Craft a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for impromptu gatherings, these crostini deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them ideal for surprising guests with a gourmet appetizer.
• Celebrate Seasonal Freshness: Spring peas burst with vibrant green color and sweet taste, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated bite that captures the essence of the season.
• Master Simple Techniques: Beginner cooks can easily conquer this recipe by following straightforward steps like toasting bread, boiling peas, and mixing ingredients, boosting culinary confidence with each preparation.
• Customize with Creativity: Adaptable recipe allows personal twists like adding different herbs, experimenting with cheese variations, or adjusting seasoning to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini

• Baguette: A classic French bread perfect for creating crispy crostini.
• Peas: Fresh green peas that provide a sweet and vibrant spring flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that serves as a smooth base for the crostini.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus peel that adds a fresh, zesty note to the pea mixture.
• Fresh Mint: Aromatic herb that introduces a cool, refreshing taste to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that adds a luxurious finish and helps blend the flavors together.

How to Make Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F. Grab your baguette and slice it into thin, elegant pieces that will become crispy golden platforms for your delicious topping.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Bread Bases

Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven and toast until they transform into golden, crisp canvases (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare Vibrant Green Peas

Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Drop in the fresh peas and cook until they’re tender and bright green (3-4 minutes).

Drain the peas completely.

Step 4: Craft Rustic Pea Mash

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon zest
• Half of the chopped mint

Mash everything together, leaving some texture for a rustic feel.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Spread

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Remaining chopped mint

Mix until smooth and silky.

Step 6: Assemble Elegant Crostini

Spread the creamy ricotta across each toasted baguette slice.

Top generously with the green pea mash. Finish with a delicate drizzle of olive oil for a final touch of sophistication.

Tips for Spring Crostini Success

• Slice baguette evenly to ensure uniform golden-brown crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning during 8-10 minute baking.
• Use a fork for chunky texture, not a blender, to maintain rustic consistency and preserve fresh pea flavor.
• Reserve some fresh mint for garnish, adding brightness and visual appeal to the final presentation.
• Whip ricotta thoroughly to create a creamy, light spread that complements the chunky pea mixture beautifully.
• Grate lemon zest directly into pea mixture for maximum aromatic citrus flavor and vibrant green color.

Variations for Spring Pea Crostini

• Gluten-Free Crostini: Replace baguette with gluten-free bread or crispy rice cakes for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute ricotta with mashed white beans or silken tofu, adding nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace mint with fresh basil and add roasted red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew cream or almond-based soft cheese instead of ricotta, maintaining creamy texture for lactose-intolerant guests.

Best Pairings for Ricotta Crostini

Sauvignon Blanc complements the light, fresh flavors of peas and ricotta, cutting through the creamy texture with its bright acidity.

Scatter additional fresh mint or chives on top to amplify the spring-like herbal notes and add a vibrant green color contrast.

A chilled, dry rosé provides a delicate effervescence that lifts the richness of ricotta and adds a festive touch to the appetizer.

Add a small wedge of fresh lemon on the side, allowing guests to squeeze extra citrus that brightens the overall flavor profile and echoes the recipe’s lemon zest.

Storage Advice for Spring Crostini

• Store leftover crostini components separately in airtight containers. Keep toasted bread, mashed peas, and ricotta mixture in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Transfer mashed peas into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm toasted baguette slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Reassemble crostini just before serving to maintain crunchiness. Add fresh mint and olive oil drizzle after reheating components for best flavor and presentation.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this crostini?

A baguette is ideal because it provides a crisp base and neutral flavor that complements the fresh pea and ricotta topping, ensuring a perfect crunch and texture.

• Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and are a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain them before mashing, maintaining the same fresh flavor and bright green color.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add a thin slice of prosciutto or pancetta on top of the pea mixture for extra protein and a savory element that enhances the overall taste of the crostini.

Spring Pea & Ricotta Crostini Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp spring pea & ricotta crostini bring Italian countryside charm to your appetizer spread. Creamy ricotta and sweet peas dance on crusty bread, offering a delightful bite that transports you to a sun-drenched terrace in Tuscany.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 baguette
• 1 cup fresh green peas
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Seasoning and Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 400F (200C) and slice baguette diagonally into thin, uniform pieces.
2. Arrange bread slices on baking sheet in single layer, ensuring even spacing.
3. Crisp bread in oven for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces become crunchy.
4. Fill medium saucepan with salted water and bring to rolling boil.
5. Add fresh peas and cook for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender, then immediately drain.
6. Transfer peas to mixing bowl and crush with fork, creating rustic texture.
7. Incorporate salt, freshly ground pepper, lemon zest, and half of chopped mint into mashed peas.
8. In separate bowl, whip ricotta until silky smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Gently fold remaining mint into ricotta mixture for added freshness.
10. Spread creamy ricotta generously across toasted baguette slices.
11. Dollop mashed pea mixture atop ricotta layer, creating elegant visual contrast.
12. Finish with delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving immediately.

Notes

• Select fresh, sweet peas for the most vibrant flavor and bright green color in your crostini.
• Quickly blanch peas to maintain their crisp texture and prevent overcooking, which can make them mushy and dull.
• Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier, richer spread that complements the light, fresh pea mixture.
• Experiment with herb variations like basil or chervil if mint isn’t your favorite, keeping the same delicate green essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg