Description
This crostini features a creamy blue cheese and ricotta spread topped with a sweet-savory blackberry thyme compote, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 half pints fresh blackberries (or 10 ounces frozen)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup natural cane sugar
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 4 ounces Castello Extra Creamy Danish Blue Cheese
- 4 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
- Honey, for drizzling
- Flaked sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a wide saucepan, combine the blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and thyme. (A wide saucepan allows the liquid to evaporate more quickly.) Cook over low heat until the sugar melts and then bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until blackberries become thick and syrupy. Stir in the vinegar and simmer for an additional minute. Transfer to a storage jar and set aside to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Compote will continue to set and thicken as it cools.
- Preheat oven to 375. Slice baguette on the diagonal into 1/4-inch slices. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted and golden, about 10-12 minutes.
- Roughly chop the blue cheese into large chunks. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the blue cheese and ricotta. Whisk together the cheeses until light and creamy, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high, about 2 minutes.
- To assemble, spread about a tablespoon of the whipped blue cheese and ricotta on a slice of toasted baguette. Spoon a couple teaspoons of blackberry thyme compote on top. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with flaked sea salt, and garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, let the compote sit for a few hours before serving. Store any leftover compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light salad. If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, adjust the ratio of blue cheese to ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 15