Peach Crostini with Whipped Cottage Cheese, Basil & Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
Peach crostini with whipped cottage cheese, basil, and hot honey is a delightful and refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for warm weather entertaining. The creamy whipped cheese pairs beautifully with juicy peaches, while the hot honey adds a subtle kick that keeps every bite exciting.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into ½ inch slices
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, cut in half
- 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 to 3 large ripe peaches, sliced
- Optional: 2 ounces prosciutto, cut into 18–20 pieces and rolled
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- ½ cup shelled roasted pistachios, chopped
- Julienned basil
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Arrange the baguette slices on the baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil and rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.
- Step 3: Bake the crostini for 6–8 minutes, until they are toasted along the edges and lightly crisp.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine the cottage cheese and lemon zest in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Step 5: Spread about a tablespoon of the whipped cottage cheese on each toasted crostini. Top with two peach slices.
- Step 6: Drizzle a small amount of hot honey over each crostini and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and julienned basil.
- Step 7: Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and, if desired, add a rolled piece of prosciutto before the peaches for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a smaller batch, simply halve the recipe. This combination also makes a delicious morning toast option.
- Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier texture.
- Add prosciutto for a savory contrast that elevates the crostini to an elegant appetizer.
- If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar effect.
Storage
Store any leftover crostini components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toast the baguette slices again before serving to keep them crisp. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Leftover whipped cheese can be stored for up to 3 days and stirred before use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Fresh peaches are best for this recipe because they hold their texture and sweetness. If using frozen peaches, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to avoid soggy crostini.
How spicy is the hot honey topping?
Hot honey provides a gentle warm heat that complements the sweetness of the peaches without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount to taste or substitute with regular honey if you prefer no heat.
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Peach Crostini with Whipped Cottage Cheese, Basil & Hot Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 18–22 crostini 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delightful peach crostini with whipped low-fat cottage cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey, perfect for a light appetizer or snack. Toasted baguette slices are topped with creamy citrus-infused cheese, juicy peaches, crunchy pistachios, and finished with flaky sea salt for a balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Crostini
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, cut in half
Cottage Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese (good culture recommended) or substitute with ricotta cheese
- Zest from 1 lemon
Fruit & Garnish
- 2 to 3 large ripe peaches, sliced
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- ½ cup shelled roasted pistachios, chopped
- Julienned fresh basil leaves
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Optional
- 2 ounces prosciutto, cut into 18–20 pieces and rolled
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baguette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the baguette slices evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then rub each piece with the cut side of the garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- Bake Crostini: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the slices for 6-8 minutes, or until the crostini are lightly toasted and golden along the edges. If all the slices do not fit on one baking sheet, use an additional sheet as needed.
- Make Whipped Cottage Cheese: While the crostini bake, add the low-fat cottage cheese and lemon zest to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Assemble Crostini: Once the crostini are toasted, spread approximately one tablespoon of the whipped cottage cheese onto each slice. Top each with two peach slices, then drizzle lightly with hot honey.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crostini with chopped roasted pistachios and julienned basil. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Optionally, add rolled prosciutto on top of the cheese before placing the peaches. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 18-22 crostini; halve the recipe if you want a smaller batch.
- Excellent served as a light appetizer or even as a flavorful morning toast.
- Adding prosciutto brings a savory contrast to the sweet peaches and creamy cheese.
- Use ripe peaches for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Hot honey can be substituted with regular honey if preferred, though it adds a unique spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peach crostini, whipped cottage cheese, hot honey, basil, appetizer, easy crostini, toasted baguette, summer appetizer, light snack
