Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
20 min	15 min	35 min

Introduction

These caramelized apple and ricotta crostini are a cozy, crowd-pleasing bite that tastes like fall on crunchy toast.

Creamy lemon-kissed ricotta pairs with maple-caramelized Gala apples for the perfect sweet-and-savory appetizer or snack.

They are simple to pull together, easy to serve at parties, and feel just fancy enough for holidays or date night at home.

How to Make Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Slice and oil the baguette

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment.

Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces if it is not already sliced.

Brush both sides of each slice lightly with olive oil and arrange in a single layer.
Toast the crostini

Bake the baguette slices for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and lightly golden.

Let the crostini cool completely on the pan while you prepare the toppings.

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Mix the ricotta spread

In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta, lemon zest, honey, and a small pinch of salt.

Taste and adjust the salt or honey to balance creaminess, brightness, and sweetness to your liking.
Cook the caramelized apples

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy but not browned.

Add the sliced apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden around the edges.

Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt, then stir to coat the apples.

Pour in the maple syrup and a splash of vanilla, then simmer until glossy and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the apples cool until just warm, so they do not melt the ricotta.
Assemble the crostini

Spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture over each cooled crostini, reaching close to the edges.

Top each slice with a small pile of caramelized apples, letting some syrup drip onto the ricotta.

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Finish and serve

Arrange the crostini on a platter and drizzle lightly with additional maple syrup for shine and sweetness.

Serve right away while the apples are still slightly warm and the bread is crisp.

Substitutions

Ricotta cheese -> whipped goat cheese: Use soft fresh goat cheese and whip it with a splash of cream. The spread becomes extra tangy and pairs beautifully with sweet apples.
Maple syrup drizzle -> salted caramel sauce: Swap the finishing maple drizzle with warm salted caramel sauce. You get a dessert style bite with rich, buttery depth.
Gala apples -> Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples: Choose Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for snappier texture and brighter flavor. Their sweet tart balance keeps each crostini tasting fresh, not heavy.

Tips

Whip the ricotta for extra fluff: Beat the ricotta with a whisk or hand mixer for one minute. This traps air and makes the spread lighter and silkier.
Keep the apples tender, not mushy: Cook the apples until they are just fork tender with some bite. Overcooking gives applesauce instead of pretty slices.
Make parts ahead for easy entertaining: Toast the crostini and mix the ricotta up to one day ahead. Store the bread airtight and chill the spread separately.
Slice apples thin and even: Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick so they cook quickly and evenly. Uneven slices caramelize at different rates and burn easily.
Add a fresh garnish for contrast: Finish with tiny thyme leaves or very thin lemon zest strips. The herbal or citrus notes cut through the richness nicely.

Energy	216	kcal
Protein	6	g
Total Fat	9	g
Carbohydrates	27	g
Dietary Fiber	2	g

FAQ

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy under the apples?: Toast the baguette until fully crisp, not pale. Let it cool, then add a full ricotta layer as a moisture barrier. Spoon on the apples right before serving so the bread stays crunchy.
Can I make the caramelized apples ahead of time?: Yes, cook them up to one day ahead. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently rewarm in a skillet over low heat, or serve at room temperature.
My apples are not caramelizing and stay pale; what am I doing wrong?: Your pan is likely too crowded or the heat is too low. Use a wide skillet so the apples sit mostly in one layer. Let them sit between stirs so the surfaces actually brown.
Can I serve these at room temperature?: Yes, they taste great at room temperature. Just keep the crostini and toppings separate until closer to serving time. Assemble within an hour for the best texture.
How can I adapt this recipe for gluten free or gluten sensitive guests?: Use a good quality gluten free baguette or small gluten free crackers. Toast them well so they are sturdy for topping. You can also spoon the ricotta and apples into endive leaves for a bread free option.