Maple-Roasted Persimmons with Honey Whipped Ricotta
This stunning Maple-Roasted Persimmons with Honey Whipped Ricotta appetizer is guaranteed to impress at your next gathering. Silky honey whipped ricotta creates a luxurious base for sweet maple-roasted persimmons, while Garden Granola® Beetroot Ginger adds an unexpected earthy sweetness and delightful crunch. Served on a platter with gluten-free sourdough on the side, this shareable appetizer celebrates the best of fall produce while delivering restaurant-quality results that your guests can assemble themselves.
Recipe at a glance
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- appetizer
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 10 minutes
- Total Time
- 20 minutes
- Servings
- 6-8
Ingredients
Honey Whipped Ricotta
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced (about 2-3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste
Maple-Roasted Persimmons
5 persimmons, diced (Fuyu persimmons work best)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For Serving
Gluten-free sourdough bread, toasted and served on the side
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional - thyme or rosemary work beautifully)
Extra honey for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Honey Whipped Ricotta
- Step 1: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons honey. Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Step 2: Blend until completely smooth, processing on high speed for 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a uniform texture. The final result should be very smooth, thick, and creamy—almost like frosting.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or honey as desired. The ricotta should be subtly sweet with a hint of brightness from the lemon. Set aside while you prepare the persimmons.
Roast the Persimmons
- Step 4: In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ¼ cup maple syrup and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Add the diced persimmons to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the maple syrup begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The persimmons should be tender and glazed with the syrup but still hold their shape. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Appetizer
- Step 6: Spread or dollop the honey whipped ricotta onto a serving platter, creating a generous, swooping layer. This is a shareable appetizer, so make it look abundant and inviting.
- Step 7: Spoon the warm maple-roasted persimmons over the whipped ricotta, then drizzle any remaining maple syrup from the skillet over the top for extra gloss and sweetness.
- Step 8: Generously sprinkle Garden Granola® Beetroot Ginger over the persimmons, adding texture and that distinctive earthy-sweet flavor. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.
- Step 9: Arrange toasted gluten-free sourdough bread on the side of the platter or on a separate board, allowing guests to serve themselves by spreading the ricotta mixture onto the bread. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs if desired.
Chef's Tips
Choosing Persimmons
Use Fuyu persimmons (the flatter, squat variety) rather than Hachiya persimmons. Fuyus are crisp and can be eaten while firm, making them perfect for dicing and roasting. They should be orange and slightly firm to the touch.
Make-Ahead Option
The honey whipped ricotta can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving, or gently rewarm if you prefer. The persimmons are best roasted just before serving to maintain their texture and warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe works beautifully as a shareable appetizer for holiday gatherings, a brunch centerpiece, or even a light dessert. Create a stunning ricotta "board" that guests can assemble themselves by spreading the mixture onto toasts. For a more formal presentation, you can also serve individual portions on small plates with bread alongside.
Flavor Variations
Enhance the honey whipped ricotta with a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. Fresh thyme or rosemary complement the earthy notes of the Beetroot Ginger granola beautifully—either mixed into the ricotta or used as a garnish. For added richness, consider drizzling with truffle oil or using a flavored honey like wildflower or orange blossom.
Shop The Star Ingredient
More Recipes for Persimmon Lovers
Celebrate persimmon season with these creative recipes that showcase this beautiful fall fruit with Garden Granola®.
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