Nduja Ricotta Toast
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This Nduja Ricotta Toast combines creamy whipped ricotta, spicy nduja, toasted ciabatta, honey, and fresh basil for an irresistible combination of savory, spicy, creamy, and sweet flavors. Ready in about 15 minutes, this Italian appetizer is an easy way to turn a few flavorful ingredients into crispy crowd-favorite.
You’ll also love Creamy Nduja Pasta. Learn more about “What is Nduja?” here.
Quick Look: Nduja Ricotta Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Method: Toasted bread + whipped ricotta + nduja topping
- Technique: Whip the ricotta, toast the ciabatta, loosen the nduja with olive oil, then layer the ricotta and nduja over the warm toast and finish with honey, lemon zest, and basil.
- Flavor/Texture: Creamy, spicy, savory, sweet, crisp, herbaceous
A Little Bite With Big Flavor
Every layer of this appetizer brings something different to the bite. The whipped ricotta is cool and creamy against the spicy, rich nduja, while honey adds just enough sweetness and lemon zest brightens everything up.
I also love serving these as an appetizer because the combination feels special without requiring a long list of ingredients or a lot of preparation.
Try my Stuffed Mushrooms and Brie Bites for more small bites.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Simple ingredients, rustic flavors, and an unforgettable taste—just like all the best Italian dishes!
- Nduja: This spicy, spreadable Calabrian salami brings rich pork flavor and plenty of chile heat to the toast.
- Ricotta Cheese: Whipped ricotta creates a creamy layer that balances the nduja.
- Ciabatta Bread: Toasted ciabatta provides a crisp base that holds the toppings.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness that balances the heat and richness.
- Fresh Basil and Lemon Zest: Fresh basil and lemon zest add brightness and a fresh finish to each bite.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Bread: Use sourdough, No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread, Crostini, or another sturdy bread in place of ciabatta.
- Ricotta: Use whipped mascarpone or another mild, creamy cheese if preferred.
- Honey: Use hot honey for extra heat or maple syrup for a different sweet finish.
- Garnish: Substitute fresh parsley or microgreens for basil, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat. For extra flavor, add some Homemade Pesto Genovese!
How to Make Ndjua Ricotta Toast
This nduja appetizer comes together quickly by layering creamy whipped ricotta and spicy nduja over crisp toasted bread, then finishing it with sweet and fresh toppings. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F or use a toaster. Place the ciabatta slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta, Italian herbs, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix the ‘nduja with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to make it more spreadable.
- Spread a thin layer of the ‘nduja mixture over each toasted ciabatta slice.
- Pipe or spoon the whipped ricotta generously over the ‘nduja.
- Add a small dab of ‘nduja and oil on top for extra heat. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh basil leaves and/or micro greens.
Nduja Ricotta Toast Appetizer FAQs
Nduja is a soft, spicy, spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy. It is made primarily with pork and chile peppers and has a rich, spicy flavor and soft texture that makes it especially good for spreading.
Ciabatta works especially well because it has a sturdy texture and crisp edges when toasted. A crusty baguette or sourdough can also be used.
For the best texture, store the components separately and assemble the nduja ricotta toast just before serving. Refrigerate leftover whipped ricotta and the nduja mixture in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Store toasted bread at room temperature and re-crisp it in the oven or toaster before assembling. I don’t recommend refrigerating fully assembled toast because the bread will soften.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this nduja ricotta toast as part of an Italian-inspired appetizer spread alongside dishes with diverse flavors. Add extra bread on your platter to pair with Italian Marinated Olives, Bread Dipping Oil, and Marinated Mozzarella Balls. For a heartier spread, add some more antipasto favorites, such as Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Tomato Basil and Roasted Portabello Mushrooms.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Toast the bread until crisp so it can support the creamy toppings without becoming soggy.
- Whip the ricotta until smooth for a lighter, creamier texture.
- Warm the nduja gently with olive oil to make it easier to spread over the ricotta.
- Add the honey at the end so its sweetness stays distinct against the spicy nduja.
- Assemble just before serving to keep the toasted bread crisp.
More Appetizer Recipes
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Nduja Ricotta Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs, more if desired
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for ricotta mixture
- 1 teaspoon honey, plus more for drizzling
- 8 slices ciabatta bread
- 3 tablespoons nduja, spreadable spicy Calabrian salami
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for ‘nduja mixture
- Fresh basil leaves or microgreens , for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a toaster.Place the ciabatta slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Whip the Ricotta Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta, Italian herbs, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and honey.Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Prepare the 'Nduja Spread: In a small bowl, mix the 'nduja with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to make it more spreadable.
- Assemble the Toasts: Spread a thin layer of the 'nduja mixture over each toasted ciabatta slice.Pipe or spoon the whipped ricotta generously over the 'nduja.
- Garnish & Serve: Add a small dab of 'nduja and oil on top for extra heat.Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh basil leaves and/or micro greens.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Toast the bread until crisp so it can support the creamy toppings without becoming soggy.
- Whip the ricotta until smooth for a lighter, creamier texture.
- Warm the nduja gently with olive oil to make it easier to spread over the ricotta.
- Add the honey at the end so its sweetness stays distinct against the spicy nduja.
- Assemble just before serving to keep the toasted bread crisp.
- For a heartier spread, add some more antipasto favorites, such as Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Tomato Basil, Salami Cups, and Roasted Portabello Mushrooms.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
