Description
An easy, no-cook appetizer featuring creamy cinnamon honey whipped ricotta, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fall fruits. Perfect for parties or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (full-fat)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 8 oz hard cheese (aged cheddar, manchego, or aged gouda)
- 8 oz soft cheese (Brie or Camembert)
- 8–10 oz cured meats (prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni)
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
- 1 large bunch grapes (red or green)
- 1 large pear (Bosc or Anjou), sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1 box crackers (water crackers or sourdough crisps)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (figs, apricots, or cranberries)
Instructions
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Process or mix until smooth and airy. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).
- Wash and dry grapes. Slice apples and pears into thin wedges. Toss fruit with lemon juice if making ahead to prevent browning. Toast nuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and let cool.
- Place cheeses on the board first as anchor points. Put the wheel of Brie in the center and the block of hard cheese nearby. Cut hard cheese into chunks or slices.
- Fold or drape cured meats around the cheeses. Twist prosciutto into rosettes or fan out salami slices.
- Nestle apples, pears, and grapes into empty spaces. Stack or fan out crackers. Scatter nuts and dried fruits freely to create an abundant look.
- Place the bowl of whipped ricotta on the board. Drizzle extra honey over the ricotta and sprinkle with extra cinnamon. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Notes
[‘Take cheeses out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.’, ‘Toast nuts for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Keep crackers separate from wet ingredients to maintain crunch.’, ‘Whipped ricotta tastes better if it sits for an hour to let flavors meld.’, ‘For vegan version, use plant-based cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Varied assortment of
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: fall charcuterie board, whipped ricotta recipe, cinnamon honey ricotta, easy appetizer, party food, harvest board, no cook recipe