Description
Rustic Italian ricotta bruschetta blends creamy cheese with sweet roasted tomatoes on crisp bread. Freshly chopped basil and extra virgin olive oil elevate this simple Mediterranean appetizer, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Base:
- 2 cups (300 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cheese and Sweetener:
- 1 cup (250 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
Bread and Garnish:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 0.5-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400F (200C), creating an ideal environment for roasting tomatoes and developing deep, caramelized flavors.
- Slice tomatoes in half and coat thoroughly with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Arrange tomatoes cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to roast and concentrate their natural sweetness for 20-25 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
- Remove roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool while maintaining their warm, intense flavor profile.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375F (190C) and prepare baguette slices by brushing each piece with olive oil for a golden, crisp texture.
- Toast baguette slices in the oven, rotating midway through cooking, until they achieve a uniform golden-brown crispness, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Whip ricotta cheese, optionally incorporating a drizzle of honey to introduce a subtle sweetness and enhance the cheese’s creamy texture.
- Generously spread the ricotta mixture across each toasted baguette slice, creating a smooth, rich base.
- Carefully place roasted tomatoes atop the ricotta-covered crostini, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Finish the bruschetta by drizzling balsamic glaze over the topped crostini and scattering fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
- Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the crostini and the warmth of the roasted tomatoes.
Notes
- Tomato Roasting Tip: Select ripe, firm Roma or cherry tomatoes for the most concentrated, sweet flavor during roasting.
- Oil Coating Technique: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and ensure tomatoes are evenly coated for consistent caramelization.
- Bread Selection Strategy: Choose day-old crusty baguette for maximum crispiness and better absorption of olive oil during toasting.
- Flavor Enhancement Hack: Experiment with adding fresh thyme or oregano to the roasted tomatoes for an herbal depth and complexity.
- Dietary Modification: For gluten-free version, replace baguette with gluten-free bread or roasted vegetable slices like zucchini.
- Cheese Variation: Swap ricotta with goat cheese or whipped feta for different creamy textures and tangy undertones.
- Make-Ahead Option: Roast tomatoes and toast bread in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg