Rustic Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

Crispy Pancetta Honey Peach Ricotta Crostini Recipe – Sweet Bliss!

Summer’s golden bounty meets rustic elegance in this honey ricotta peach crostini with crispy pancetta recipe that promises a symphony of flavors.

Ripe peaches, sweet honey, and salty pancetta dance together on a perfectly toasted canvas of crisp bread.

Creamy ricotta provides a luscious base that melts seamlessly with each delightful bite.

The combination brings together contrasting textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch to this simple yet sophisticated appetizer.

Effortless to prepare and stunning to serve, this crostini turns ordinary moments into memorable culinary experiences.

Prepare to impress and delight everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible summer treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

For Base Ingredients:
  • Baguette: Provides a crispy foundation that adds delightful crunch and texture.
  • Olive Oil: Helps bread toast evenly and enhances golden color with rich flavor.
For Protein and Savory Elements:
  • Pancetta: Delivers crispy, salty bite that elevates the overall taste profile.
For Creamy and Soft Components:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creates smooth, rich base with delicate tangy undertones.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens ricotta with zesty freshness and balances creaminess.
  • Salt: Enhances and elevates overall flavor complexity.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.
For Fresh and Sweet Toppings:
  • Fresh Peaches: Brings juicy, sweet summer brightness and delicate fruit notes.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and glossy finish.
  • Fresh Thyme, Fresh Basil: Offers aromatic herbaceous garnish with vibrant green color.

Tools For Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for toasting baguette slices evenly.
  • Skillet: Perfect for crisping pancetta to golden perfection.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing ricotta with seasonings.
  • Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Great for draining and cooling crispy pancetta.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing baguette and peaches.
  • Pastry Brush: Useful for lightly coating bread with olive oil.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing ingredients.

Steps To Make Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

  • Toast Bread Slices

Slide baguette onto a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake at 400F until edges turn golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Flip midway to ensure even browning.

  • Crisp Up Pancetta

Heat skillet over medium flame and cook pancetta until edges become deliciously crunchy. Transfer to paper towel to drain excess fat, then crumble into tiny bits.

  • Create Creamy Ricotta Spread

Blend ricotta with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir until mixture becomes silky smooth and light.

  • Build Delectable Layers

Spread ricotta generously across each toasted bread slice. Layer soft peach slices on top. Sprinkle crumbled pancetta for a salty crunch.

  • Finish with Flair

Drizzle golden honey over assembled crostini. Garnish with delicate fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispness and flavor.

Tips To Add Flavor To Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

  • Bread Toasting Perfection: Get crispy, golden crostini by brushing olive oil evenly and watching closely during toasting to prevent burning.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare toasted baguette slices and crumbled pancetta hours in advance, storing separately at room temperature to save time before serving.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap ricotta with cashew cheese or almond-based spread for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and delicious flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Fruit Swap: Replace peaches with nectarines, apricots, or pears when desired fruits are out of season for year-round enjoyment of this appetizer.
  • Vegetarian Option: Eliminate pancetta and replace with crispy shallots or toasted pine nuts to add crunch and savory depth without meat.

Serving Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

  • Elegant Appetizer Centerpiece: Arrange crostini beautifully on a rustic wooden board for an impressive visual display that highlights the golden toasts and vibrant peach colors.
  • Cocktail Party Companion: Pair these crostini with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Prosecco to complement the sweet and savory flavor profile.
  • Summer Brunch Delight: Serve as a light starter alongside fresh fruit salad and chilled mimosas for a relaxed weekend gathering that feels sophisticated yet effortless.
  • Wine Night Snack: Create a small platter with multiple crostini varieties, offering guests a delightful mix of textures and flavors during casual evening entertaining.

Storage Tips For Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store prepared crostini components separately in airtight containers. Keep toasted bread, ricotta mixture, crumbled pancetta, and sliced peaches in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 2 days.
  • Advance Preparation Technique: Mix ricotta and chop pancetta one day before serving. Slice peaches right before assembling to prevent browning. Toast baguette slices just before guests arrive for optimal crispiness.
  • Smart Moisture Management: Place a paper towel under toasted bread slices when storing to absorb excess moisture and maintain crunchiness. Avoid assembling crostini ahead of time to prevent soggy texture.
  • Temperature Revival Hack: Quickly reheat baguette slices in a 350F oven for 2-3 minutes if they lose crispness. Assemble with room temperature ricotta and fresh peaches immediately after warming bread for best results.
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Rustic Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe

Rustic Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini With Crispy Pancetta Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Irresistible honey ricotta peach crostini with crispy pancetta brings Italian summer flavors to appetizer perfection. Rustic bread, creamy ricotta, sweet peaches, and salty pancetta create a delightful bite you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices pancetta
  • 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
  • 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) honey
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh thyme or basil leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Additional honey (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baguette: Toast olive oil-brushed baguette slices in a 400F (200C) oven until edges turn golden and crisp, achieving a delicate bronze hue in 8-10 minutes.
  2. Render Pancetta: Sizzle pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and caramelized, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
  3. Season Ricotta: Whisk ricotta with citrus zest and seasonings, creating a smooth, flavorful base that provides a creamy foundation for the crostini.
  4. Assemble Crostini: Spread seasoned ricotta on toasted baguette slices, then artfully arrange peach segments to create a vibrant and textural masterpiece.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle crispy pancetta crumbles over the crostini, drizzle with honey, and garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves to elevate the sensory experience.
  6. Serve: Present immediately to maintain the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and juicy elements, ensuring a delightful appetizer that tantalizes the palate.

Notes

  • Optimize Bread Toasting: Ensure baguette slices are uniformly thick and evenly coated with olive oil to achieve consistent golden-brown crispness without burning.
  • Manage Pancetta Crispness: Control skillet heat carefully to render fat completely while preventing burning, creating perfect crispy texture without becoming tough or bitter.
  • Balance Ricotta Flavor: Experiment with lemon zest, cracked black pepper, or fresh herbs to elevate the ricotta’s base flavor and complement the sweet peaches.
  • Temperature Strategy: Serve crostini immediately after assembly to maintain textural contrast between crisp bread, creamy cheese, and juicy peach segments.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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