30-Minute Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini
Elegant appetizer featuring grilled baguette topped with sweet honey ricotta, juicy peaches, and crispy pancetta, finished with balsamic glaze and fresh basil. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky meat, and summer fruit creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for entertaining, wine tastings, or as a sophisticated starter for dinner parties. The contrast between the crunchy bread, tender peaches, and crispy pancetta makes each bite texturally interesting.
Ingredients
- 16 baguette slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces pancetta, thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 large peaches, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- ¼ cup basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and set aside
- 2
Preheat grill
- 3
Grill the bread for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy
- 4
Transfer to a platter and set aside
- 5
Cook the pancetta in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until it begins to crisp
- 6
Flip the pancetta over and continue cooking until crispy
- 7
Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel and allow to cool
- 8
Whisk together the ricotta and honey in a small bowl
- 9
Spread one tablespoon ricotta mixture onto each baguette slice
- 10
Top each piece of bread with a few slices of peaches
- 11
Divide the pancetta evenly among the crostini
- 12
Drizzle the crostini with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil
- 13
Serve immediately
Tips
Let pancetta cool completely before breaking into pieces to maintain maximum crispiness
Choose ripe but firm peaches that won't fall apart when sliced thin
Toast bread just before serving to prevent sogginess from the ricotta mixture
Good to Know
Best served immediately, components can be prepped separately and stored up to 1 day
Bread can be grilled, ricotta mixed, and peaches sliced up to 4 hours ahead
Serve at room temperature immediately after assembly
Common Mistakes
Grill bread just until golden to avoid burning
Don't assemble too far ahead to prevent soggy crostini
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, toast the bread in a 400F oven for 5-6 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop until golden and crispy.
What if I can't find pancetta?
Substitute with bacon or prosciutto. Cook bacon until crispy or use prosciutto without cooking for a different texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Assembled crostini don't keep well due to sogginess. Store components separately for up to 2 days and assemble fresh.