Featuring Sterling Vineyards California Brut
The holidays call for appetizers that feel celebratory without being complicated. These crostini with mandarins and pistachios deliver bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and festive crunch in every bite.
Paired with Sterling Vineyards California Brut, this appetizer becomes a sparkling start to any holiday gathering.
Summary
This holiday appetizer features crisp crostini topped with creamy ricotta, mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios. Paired with Sterling Vineyards California Brut, it offers a balance of citrus, texture, and festive elegance.
Why This Pairing Works
Sterling Vineyards California Brut brings lively bubbles and bright citrus notes that complement the flavors of this appetizer.
The pairing works because:
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Crisp acidity mirrors the mandarins
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Bubbles cut through the creamy ricotta
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Subtle sweetness balances nuts and fruit
Together, the wine and crostini feel light, refreshing, and celebratory.
Ingredients
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5 large slices country loaf bread, cut in half on the diagonal
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Olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground pepper
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½ cup ricotta
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1½ pounds mandarin oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
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½ cup pomegranate seeds
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¼ cup chopped roasted pistachios
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Hot honey or honey, for drizzling
Directions
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Toast the bread until golden. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
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Spread each toast with a generous layer of ricotta.
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Arrange mandarin slices over the ricotta.
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Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.
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Drizzle with honey and serve immediately.
More Festive Appetizer Pairings
Spanish Style Garlicky Shrimp Skewers
Paired with Sterling Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay
These roasted shrimp skewers seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika pair beautifully with Sterling Reserve Chardonnay. The wine’s bright citrus notes and creamy texture complement the shrimp, while a squeeze of lemon echoes the freshness in the glass.
Mini Filet Mignon Wellington Bites with Horseradish Crème Fraîche
Paired with Platinum Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Platinum Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect match for these rich, umami packed filet mignon bites. Bold structure and layered fruit stand up to the richness of the beef and the bite of horseradish.
About the Recipe Partner
These holiday recipes were created in partnership with Emily Cooper, a classically trained cook, recipe developer, and wine enthusiast based in Oakland. With experience in restaurant kitchens and culinary strategy for brands like Good Eggs and Momofuku, Emily focuses on seasonal recipes designed to pair naturally with wine.
You can find more of her work at emilycoopercooks.com or on Instagram at @emilycoopercooks.
FAQs
Can these crostini be prepared ahead of time?
You can toast the bread and prep the toppings ahead of time, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
What wine pairs best with citrus based appetizers?
Sparkling wines with bright acidity, such as Sterling Vineyards California Brut, pair especially well with citrus focused dishes.
Can I substitute another cheese for ricotta?
Yes. Whipped goat cheese or mascarpone can also work, depending on your flavor preference.
