Name: Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large red beet, washed and chopped; 1 large yellow beet, washed and chopped; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste; 1 large baguette, sliced and toasted; 1.5 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight; 1 cup cauliflower florets, steamed; 1 small clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk (see note*); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 42 reviews

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If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that’s as colorful as it is delicious, the Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This dish combines the earthy sweetness of perfectly roasted beets with a luscious, creamy vegan ricotta bursting with fresh herbs, all piled atop crunchy toasted baguette slices. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a lazy weekend treat, these crostini are a joyful celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single layer of roasted root vegetable cubes spread unevenly on a baking tray. The vegetables are mainly small chunks in two colors: deep purple-red and golden yellow, with some pieces showing browned or slightly charred edges from roasting. The tray background is a worn metal surface with spots of oil and caramelization marks, creating a rustic look. The vegetables appear crispy on the outside with a textured, roasted finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of kitchen staples and fresh produce, making this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from delivering creamy texture and herby notes to adding color and that irresistible crunch.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the beets roast to tender, caramelized perfection.
Red and yellow beets: Provide vibrant color and earthy sweetness that light up the crostini.
Sea salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the beets.
Baguette: Ideal for toasting to a crisp base that holds all the delicious toppings.
Raw cashews: Soaked overnight to create the creamy, dreamy base for the vegan “ricotta.”
Cauliflower florets: Steamed to add subtle creaminess and body without overpowering the ricotta.
Garlic: Offers a gentle pungency that elevates the flavor of the ricotta.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
Unsweetened cashew milk: Helps achieve the ideal ricotta texture—smooth but not too runny.
Nutritional yeast: Brings a cheesy, umami depth without any dairy.
Fresh basil and dried oregano: Infuse the ricotta with fragrant herbaceous notes, making each bite lively and fresh.

How to Make Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Herbed Ricotta

Start by soaking the raw cashews overnight—it’s the secret to that ultra-creamy, rich texture you’ll love. Once soaked, drain and dry them well. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, which adds a smooth body to our ricotta without overpowering the flavor. Combine the cashews, cauliflower, minced garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, sea salt, basil, oregano, and cashew milk in a blender or food processor. Start with 1/2 cup of cashew milk and blend until smooth, adding more milk only if needed to reach your preferred consistency. The result is a luscious, velvety herbed vegan ricotta that feels indulgent but is completely plant-based.

Step 2: Roast the Beets

While the ricotta sets in flavor, preheat your oven to a high 415°F to get those beets perfectly roasted. Peel and chop both the red and yellow beets into even pieces for uniform roasting. Toss them with olive oil and sea salt right on your baking sheet so each piece is coated with just the right amount of seasoning. Roast them for 30 to 40 minutes on the center rack, stirring halfway through to ensure every beet bites with the ideal tender-juicy contrast to the crispy crostini.

Step 3: Assemble the Crostini

Toast thick slices of baguette until they’re crunchy and golden brown. Spread a generous layer—about 1 to 2 tablespoons—of that heavenly vegan herbed ricotta over each toast. Top with vibrant roasted beets and, if you like, finish with a drizzle of reduced balsamic and honey for a touch of sweetness that ties everything together. A sprig of fresh basil crowning each crostini adds a beautiful flourish that makes this dish worthy of any special occasion.

How to Serve Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe

The image shows four toasted bread slices on a white plate, each with three layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown grilled bread with a slight char, the middle layer is a thick spread of creamy white cheese, and the top layer consists of small cubes of roasted vegetables in deep red and orange colors, garnished with small green basil leaves. In the background, more similar toasts rest on a wooden board, with a small bowl of seeds and a glass container of dark liquid to the side, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes takes this dish from lovely to unforgettable. Try topping your crostini with freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, or a few microgreens for a burst of color and freshness. Each garnish enhances the textures and flavors while making your presentation shine.

Side Dishes

This Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe pairs beautifully with light salads or grilled vegetables, offering a perfect balance of earthiness and crispness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or even a bowl of tomato soup create a satisfying meal that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, arrange your crostini on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter to highlight the beets’ jewel tones. You can also serve the vegan ricotta in a small bowl for guests to spread themselves, making it an interactive and fun appetizer. Mini skewers with beet cubes, dollops of ricotta, and basil leaves are another charming way to let everyone enjoy this recipe in small bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the vegan ricotta separately in an airtight container and keep the roasted beets in their own container as well. Toast the baguette slices fresh right before serving again to keep them crunchy and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the components ahead of time for future meals, you can freeze the vegan ricotta for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Roasted beets also freeze well, but the crostini themselves are best enjoyed fresh to retain their crisp texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe warm, gently reheat the roasted beets in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their tender texture. Warm the baguette slices briefly in a toaster or oven. Then assemble with chilled or room temperature ricotta to keep those creamy, fresh flavors front and center.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews for the vegan ricotta?

Cashews are preferred for their creaminess when soaked and blended, but you can experiment with soaked almonds or macadamia nuts. Just note that the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Do I need to peel the beets before roasting?

While peeling is recommended for the best texture and appearance, washing and roasting unpeeled beets is possible—just be sure to scrub them well and peel after roasting with skins that slip off easily.

Is there a non-vegan version of this crostini?

Absolutely! You can swap the vegan ricotta with fresh regular ricotta cheese for an equally creamy and delicious topping, perfect if you aren’t following a vegan diet.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the baguette with your favorite gluten-free bread or crispbreads to keep the crostini style while catering to gluten sensitivities.

What’s the best way to toast the baguette slices?

Toasting in a hot oven or on a grill pan until golden and crisp works best. This ensures they hold up well under the moist toppings without becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about how simple, wholesome ingredients come together in the Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe to create an appetizer that’s both stunning and packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to enjoy a fresh, colorful dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your table. Don’t hesitate—grab those beets and cashews, and dive into this joyful culinary experience today.

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Roasted Beet Herbed Vegan Ricotta Crostini Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need