The holiday season is here, and what better way to start your festive gatherings than with a delicious and easy-to-make crostini appetizer? These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that will leave your guests wanting more!
My family seems to always have the same dishes around the holiday season, and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE everything they make, but this year, I wanted to mix things up a little and add in these delicious and easy-to-make crostini appetizers!
Today, we’ll explore two mouthwatering crostini variations: one with whipped ricotta and mixed berry jam and the other with cheddar cheese, strawberries, and a balsamic glaze. By offering one sweet and savory option, you’ll have the perfect balance of flavors and something for everyone to enjoy!
These holiday crostini appetizer variations are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making them ideal for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a festive soiree or an intimate gathering, these appetizers are sure to be a hit!
Holiday Crostini Appetizer Made 2 Ways
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta Crostini With Roasted Mixed Berry Jam
- 16 oz ricotta, whole milk you can use skim or part skim but it won’t be as firm
- 1 lb strawberries
- 6 oz blackberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ juice from lemon and zest
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- 1 French baguette (use for both recipes)
Cheddar Cheese, Strawberries and Balsamic Glaze
- 5 slices of sharp cheddar cheese cut in half
- 8-10 strawberries, reserved from 1st recipe
- balsamic glaze
- 6-7 basil leaves, fresh and cut into ribbons
Instructions
Whipped Ricotta Crostini With Roasted Mixed Berry Jam
- Preheat oven to 400℉
- Wash and cut strawberries into quarters and place on a lined baking sheet with blackberries.
- Coat with 1 tbsp of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and place thyme on top of berries.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring everything half way through.
- While the berries are baking, add ricotta to a kitchen aid with 2 tbsp of honey, a pinch of salt and lemon zest of half of a lemon. Mix on high for 10 minutes. (You can also use a hand mixer)
- Once the berry mixture is done baking, remove the thyme and add the juice of half a lemon. Mix together and set aside.
- Drop the oven down to 350℉ and add the sliced baguette to a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until the bread becomes slightly hard and it turns golden brown. (~6-8 minutes)
- Add ricotta mixture to a plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner of the bottom of the bag to pipe the cheese easily. (Don’t cut until you are ready to add the ricotta to the crostini)
- Once the crostini has cooled, pipe a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on it. Gently add a scoop of the mixed berry mixture to the top. Garnish with lemon zest and enjoy!
Cheddar Cheese, Strawberries and Balsamic Glaze
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Cut French baguette at an angel and place on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 3-4 minutes.
- Cut 5 pieces of cheddar cheese in half and add to the top of the bread. Cook until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Top with sliced strawberries, balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Enjoy!