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Whipped Ricotta Grilled Plums

Category: Fire Up the Grill with American BBQ Favorites

Enjoy this lovely appetizer featuring toasted crostini layered with smooth whipped ricotta, grilled plums, and a drizzle of honey. Sweet, juicy plums are quickly grilled until tender, then paired with creamy ricotta enhanced by a touch of salt, pepper, and honey. The combination is spread over crunchy baguette slices and finished with balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme. Simple to prepare in just 25 minutes, this vegetarian appetizer shines at gatherings or as a special starter. Serve with a crisp white wine for an elegant touch.

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Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 06:38:18 GMT
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A person is holding a piece of food with a fork. | krispyrecipes.com

This whipped ricotta crostini with grilled plums is a go to appetizer when I want something beautiful and bursting with summer flavors but need it ready in minutes. The sweet tang of plums and creamy ricotta on crunchy toasts has become a must at my family gatherings and never lasts long on the plate.

I remember serving this at my last backyard party and it disappeared in minutes. Even my pickiest guest asked for the recipe and that never happens.

Ingredients

  • Ricotta cheese: Use a whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess If it looks watery drain off extra liquid for the best spreadable texture
  • Ripe plums: The fresher and juicier the plums the better Go for vibrant color and slight softness for optimal sweetness
  • Baguette: Pick a crusty fresh baguette with lots of bubbles in the crumb for the perfect crunch after grilling
  • Honey: Adds subtle floral sweetness Use good local honey if you can
  • Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic gives a syrupy tang that lifts the whole dish Choose a thick rich vinegar for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance Use flaky salt for garnishing if you have it
  • Fresh thyme leaves: A little sprinkle freshens everything up and adds a hint of herby aroma Make sure leaves are bright green and fragrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan
Set your grill or grill pan over medium heat so it reaches an even temperature You want gentle heat for the fruit and bread without burning
Grill the Plums
Brush plum halves with a light layer of olive oil then season with a bit of salt and pepper Place plums cut side down on the grill and cook them about three to four minutes until you see nice grill marks and they have softened but still hold their shape Carefully remove and let them cool slightly
Whip the Ricotta
In a mixing bowl add ricotta cheese honey and a pinch each of salt and pepper With a whisk or hand mixer beat until everything is super smooth and creamy This takes about two to three minutes If the ricotta feels gritty keep whipping until it lightens and looks a little fluffy
Toast the Crostini
Place baguette slices on the grill for one to two minutes each side until they are crisp and golden The goal is a crunchy shell and soft middle so check often to avoid burning
Assemble the Crostini
Spread each toast generously with the whipped ricotta Make sure you go edge to edge for every bite to have ricotta Top with grilled plum halves and gently press so they stick Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and finish with a shower of fresh thyme leaves
A plate of crostini with grilled plums and whipped ricotta. Save
A plate of crostini with grilled plums and whipped ricotta. | krispyrecipes.com

Ricotta is my favorite here Its creamy mildness balances the sweet tart plums My daughter loves to help spread the ricotta and always tries to sneak the first finished crostini for herself

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store the whipped ricotta separately in an airtight container for up to three days Keep grilled plums in a separate bowl covered and store in the fridge Bring both to room temperature before assembling again Only grill as much bread as you plan to eat so it stays crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Try mascarpone or goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier twist Peaches nectarines or even figs can step in for plums in their season A drizzle of maple syrup works in place of honey if you prefer

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crostini as a summer appetizer at BBQs wine nights or even brunch They pair beautifully with light white or rosé wine For a larger crowd make mini toasts and assemble just before serving to keep them fresh

Cultural Note

Ricotta crostini are inspired by classic Italian antipasti where simple fresh ingredients shine Grilled fruit on toast is a centuries old Mediterranean favorite and shows how seasonal produce can elevate the simplest dish into something memorable

A plate of crostini with grilled plums on top. Save
A plate of crostini with grilled plums on top. | krispyrecipes.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I grill the plums?

Brush plum halves with olive oil, season, and grill cut side down for 3-4 minutes until softened and marked.

→ Can I use another cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone or whipped goat cheese also work well for a creamy spread with a subtle flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this appetizer in advance?

You can prepare the whipped ricotta and grill the plums a few hours ahead. Assemble just before serving.

→ What kind of bread works best?

A sturdy baguette sliced into rounds toasts evenly and remains crisp under the spread and toppings.

→ How can I enhance the flavor?

A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, and fresh thyme offers a delicate herbal note.

Whipped Ricotta Grilled Plums

Crispy crostini with creamy ricotta, sweet grilled plums, honey, balsamic, and thyme create an irresistible appetizer.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min

Recipe Category: BBQ & Grill Masters

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Italian

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings (12–16 crostini)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dairy

01 1 cup ricotta cheese

→ Fruits

02 2 ripe plums, pitted and halved

→ Bread

03 1 baguette, sliced into 1.25 cm rounds

→ Condiments

04 2 tablespoons honey
05 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

→ Seasoning

06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
07 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

→ Oils

08 Olive oil, for brushing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set grill or grill pan over medium heat to preheat.

Step 02

Brush plum halves lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place cut side down on the grill for 3–4 minutes until softened and marked. Remove from grill and set aside.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or use an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 04

Place baguette rounds on the grill. Toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Step 05

Spread whipped ricotta generously over each toasted baguette slice. Top with pieces of grilled plum, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and finish with fresh thyme leaves.

Additional Notes

  1. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds heat to complement the sweetness of grilled plums.
  2. Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or other crisp white wine for a balanced appetizer course.

Required Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta cheese).
  • May contain gluten depending on choice of bread.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 7 g