Tomato Ricotta Crostini
These Tomato Ricotta Crostini are an easy yet elegant appetiser with creamy ricotta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tomato Ricotta Crostini are one of those appetisers that look elegant, taste fresh and flavourful, and come together in no time at all.
They’re perfect for entertaining—whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, putting together a holiday spread, or just need something easy and impressive to bring to a gathering. There’s something about the combination of creamy ricotta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze that feels effortlessly special without being fussy.
If you’re after a fresh and easy appetiser that’s as pretty as it is tasty, this is one to keep in your rotation. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, but definitely dinner party–worthy.
Tips & Variations
- Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Garlic Infusion: Rub a cut garlic clove on the toasted baguette slices before adding the ricotta spread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for subtle heat.
Storage & Make-Ahead
While these crostini are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time:
- Ricotta Spread: Can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Can be prepared a day ahead. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Assembly: Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Baguette – A classic French baguette is ideal here, giving you those perfect crisp edges and soft centres after toasting. If you don’t have a baguette on hand, any crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta works well.
- Olive Oil – Used to brush over the bread before baking, olive oil adds flavour and helps the slices toast up golden and crispy. Avocado oil or even melted butter can be used instead – though olive oil offers the most traditional Mediterranean note.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creamy, mild ricotta makes a lovely base spread for the crostini. If you’d prefer a tangier bite, you can swap in whipped goat cheese or use cream cheese for a denser texture. Mascarpone would also work, especially if you enjoy a slightly richer finish.
- Honey – Just a touch of honey adds sweetness to the ricotta and balances the savoury elements. Maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent alternatives, especially if you’re out of honey or prefer a different natural sweetener.
- Salt & Black Pepper – These pantry staples season the ricotta and enhance the fresh flavours of the tomatoes and basil. Adjust to taste – and if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra depth.
- Fresh Basil – Basil brings brightness and herbaceous flavour that ties everything together. Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, a small amount of dried basil will do. You can also try fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley for a slightly different but equally tasty twist.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy cherry tomatoes provide a pop of colour and freshness. Grape tomatoes or chopped heirloom tomatoes are great substitutes – just make sure they’re sweet and ripe for the best flavour.
- Balsamic Glaze – This thick, syrupy glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish that elevates the dish. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced and thickened. Alternatively, a drizzle of straight balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same syrupy texture.
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Check out more of my favourite appetiser recipes!
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When it comes to entertaining, having an easy appetizer in your repertoire like these delicious Bacon Spinach Pinwheels is a must.
Tomato Ricotta Crostini
Yields: 12 crostini | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Directions:
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly. (Image 1)
- Make the Ricotta Spread: In a bowl, mix ricotta, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped basil.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. (Image 2) Top with cherry tomatoes. (Image 3)
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves. (Image 4)
Tomato Ricotta Crostini
These Tomato Ricotta Crostini are an easy yet elegant appetiser with creamy ricotta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped basil.
- Spread a generous layer of ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. Top with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
2 piecesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 169Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 377mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 7g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
