Whipped Lemon Ricotta & Anchovy Canapés

These whipped lemon ricotta and anchovy canapés are the perfect quick afternoon snack or elegant bite for cocktail hour. Smooth, zesty ricotta meets the umami punch of anchovy for a chef-worthy balance of flavour -simple to make yet effortlessly impressive.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the use of Helga’s or Aldi gluten-free bread, both of which bring a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savoury toppings. For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, swap the ricotta for a thick cashew cream and top with briny capers instead of anchovies. Serve them on crusty crostini, GF toast slices, or your favourite canapé base for a dish that feels both refined and approachable -perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Whipped Lemon Ricotta (cream)

  • 1 small tub (about 250g) smooth ricotta (or thick cashew cream for dairy-free/vegan)

  • ½ lemon, juice and zest

  • 1 shallot (green tops only), roughly chopped

  • Cracked black pepper, to taste

  • A good pinch of sea salt

Base

  • 3 slices gluten-free bread, cut lengthways into long fingers (Helga’s Gluten Free Mixed Grain or Aldi’s Bakers Life GF Bread both work beautifully)

Toppings

  • 9 whole anchovy fillets (substitute capers for vegan version)

  • 9 small mint or basil leaves

  • Extra lemon zest, to garnish

Method

  1. Make the whipped ricotta:
    Add the ricotta (or cashew cream), lemon juice and zest, shallot tops, pepper, and salt to a food processor. Blitz until silky smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  2. Prepare the base:
    Toast the gluten-free bread slices until crisp and golden. Once toasted, slice each piece into three long fingers.

  3. Assemble:
    Spoon or pipe the whipped lemon cream onto each toast finger (I would recommend piping for the ‘wow’ factor).
    *If you don’t have a piping bag, use a ziplock bag and make a small cut in the corner so that you can fill it with the whipped ricotta and use it the same way.

  4. Top and serve:
    Finish with a whole anchovy, a fresh mint or basil leaf, and a touch of lemon zest on each. Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp.

Per Batch (9 fingers total)

  • Calories: ~480 kcal

  • Protein: ~24 g

  • Fat: ~29 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~25 g

  • Fibre: ~4 g

  • Sodium: ~1,450 mg

Per Serve (3 fingers)

  • Calories: ~160 kcal

  • Protein: ~8 g

  • Fat: ~10 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~8 g

  • Fibre: ~1.3 g

  • Sodium: ~480 mg

Notes by Ingredient

  • Ricotta (250 g): ~420 kcal, 20 g protein, 30 g fat

  • Anchovies (9 fillets): ~60 kcal, 8 g protein, high sodium (~900 mg)

  • GF Bread (3 slices): ~240 kcal, 6 g protein, 36 g carbs

  • Olive oil (trace from anchovies): ~20 kcal

  • Lemon, shallot, herbs, zest: negligible calories

DF/Vegan Version (with Cashew Cream & Capers)

Cashew cream increases fat slightly (mostly healthy fats) and lowers protein:

  • Calories: ~540 kcal per batch / ~180 kcal per 3 fingers

  • Protein: ~6 g

  • Fat: ~12 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~10 g

*Note, if you’re using the GF bread - there is egg present in the bread itself.

Here’s a bit more detail on why the recommended breads can elevate your canapés :

  • Helga’s Gluten Free Mixed Grain Bread: This is one of Australia’s strongest gluten-free bread options from a mainstream supermarket brand. Helga’s explicitly states that its gluten-free range features “large soft slices” that are “perfect for delicious sandwiches and toast” - key when you’re aiming for crisp bites or canapé bases.

    • It’s also FODMAP friendly, endorsed by Coeliac Australia, and provides a good source of fibre - making it a reliable pick for dietary sensitivity.

    • For your canapés, the slightly sweet note of the mixed-grain loaf adds an excellent counterpoint to salty toppings like anchovies (or capers if dairy-free/vegan) — that subtle sweet-savory balance is just what you want to impress.

  • Bakers Life Gluten‑Free Bread (Aldi): Widely accessible Australia-wide via the ALDI supermarket chain, this is a strong alternate for your gluten-free base. A review by consumer site CHOICE gave it a 77% overall rating, confirming it meets solid standards for taste, texture and nutrition within its category.

    • While there are some user comments noting slight drying out if left too long, others on forums call it “my go-to for GF bread… mainly because it’s not gross, and it’s a decent size.” Reddit

    • Its availability and price point make it an easy win when you’re prepping for guests or need something accessible for a wider audience.

Snack, canapésElla DoyleGluten Free, pescatarian, easy