Meet your new favorite easy appetizer: crisp crackers topped with a creamy basil ricotta, folded prosciutto, and a light honey drizzle. These bite-sized treats balance salty, creamy, and sweet for a crowd-pleasing starter that’s simple to prepare.
This recipe is quick to make and ideal for parties. You can prepare the basil ricotta ahead of time, then assemble the crackers just before serving so they stay crisp. The fresh basil and mild garlic in the ricotta pair beautifully with the savory prosciutto, while a touch of honey brings everything together.
This post is part of a Thanksgiving roundup of simple sides and apps—perfect if you’re bringing something easy to the table. If you’re new to contributing a dish for the holiday, these crackers are a safe, impressive option that won’t take much time or stress.
Here’s what’s new on the blog for Thanksgiving:
- Brussels and kale salad
- Apricot BBQ cocktail meatballs
- Cacio e pepe cauliflower mash
I haven’t made a turkey myself yet—my family takes care of that—but I wanted to share a few last-minute appetizers and sides that are easy to bring and crowd-friendly. I hope you find something here that becomes a staple at your gatherings.
These ricotta and prosciutto cracker bites require only a handful of ingredients and come together in minutes. The ricotta can be made and stored in the fridge ahead of time, so you only need a few minutes to assemble before guests arrive.
I used a gluten-free cracker, but any sturdy plain cracker will work. Choose a cracker that’s large enough to hold the ricotta and prosciutto without breaking. Avoid highly flavored or seeded crackers that might compete with the delicate toppings.
Garnish with small thyme leaves for a pretty finishing touch—just pick the soft leaves off the stems so guests don’t end up with twigs on their bites. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt are essential; they add the perfect sweet-salty contrast that makes these crackers addictive.
If this is your first time contributing to a holiday spread, these crackers are a foolproof option that look polished without extra effort. They make a lovely starter to tide everyone over until the main course.
Enjoy! xx
Basil Ricotta + Prosciutto Crackers
- Author: Mia Zarlengo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8–10
- Category: Side Dish
Description
Crisp crackers topped with creamy basil ricotta, salty prosciutto, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme and flaky sea salt. Simple, elegant, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 handful fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 packages prosciutto (~6–8 oz total)
- 1 box crackers (your favorite plain variety)
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ricotta, basil, garlic, and sea salt to a food processor and pulse until smooth and well combined. Make sure the garlic is fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Spoon or pipe a small dollop of the basil ricotta onto each cracker.
- Use kitchen scissors to cut the prosciutto into smaller strips, roll or fold, and place on top of the ricotta.
- Top with a few thyme leaves (use only the soft leaves, not woody stems), drizzle with honey, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
Notes
Assemble shortly before serving so the crackers stay crisp. The ricotta can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.