Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French baguette into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture once toasted. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
Place 1 cup of ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Using a whisk or electric hand mixer, whip the ricotta until it becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The olive oil helps create a silkier texture that spreads beautifully on your crostini.
In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves over low heat. This step helps infuse the honey with the aromatic flavors of thyme and slightly softens the honey for easier drizzling. Warm for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. Drizzle the warm hot honey over the ricotta. If you like, add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast. Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves on top for garnish.
Finish by sprinkling cooked and crumbled turkey bacon over each crostini. The smoky, savory crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta and sweet-hot honey, creating a perfect bite each time.
