Looking for a dish that’s both light and indulgent, with a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors? Look no further than Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes! This simple yet stunning appetizer combines crispy toasted bread with the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese and the sweet, savory flavor of roasted tomatoes. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes
This Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet meal at home, or serving something special as a starter. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: You can easily switch up the toppings—add fresh herbs, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some fresh basil for extra flavor.
Budget-Friendly: It’s made with affordable ingredients, but the result tastes far more luxurious than the price suggests.
Quick and Easy: Whip it up in no time! Perfect for when you’re craving a delicious bite but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Adjust the level of garlic, spice, or cheese to your taste. It’s all about making it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love the combination of creamy cheese and sweet, roasted tomatoes? It’s a flavor match made in heaven!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Ricotta Bruschettas with Roasted Tomatoes:
Bread: A crusty baguette or ciabatta works best for that satisfying crunch. Slice it thinly for perfectly crisp bites.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is the star of the show. Its mild flavor and smooth texture are the perfect base for the toppings.
Tomatoes: Sweet, ripe tomatoes roasted to bring out their natural sugars and intensify their flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch to the roasted tomatoes and the ricotta spread.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the ricotta and adds a smooth finish.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): You can add a little thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course, to bring all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this delicious appetizer!
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow the tomatoes to roast beautifully and the bread to crisp up just right.
Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
Toast the Bread: While the tomatoes roast, slice your baguette or ciabatta into thin slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy.
Prepare the Ricotta: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like, you can add a little drizzle of olive oil to make it extra creamy.
Assemble the Bruschetta: Once the bread is toasted and the tomatoes are roasted, it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous layer of ricotta on each slice of toast, then top with a few roasted tomatoes.
Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re using them. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavor with every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes
This bruschetta makes for an amazing appetizer, but you can also serve it as part of a larger spread. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner.
- Serve it alongside a bowl of pasta for an Italian-inspired feast.
- Enjoy it with a glass of white wine or prosecco for a delightful starter at a dinner party.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use fresh, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. If they’re not quite in season, cherry or grape tomatoes work well too.
- For extra richness, you can drizzle the bruschetta with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- If you prefer a more garlicky flavor, rub a raw garlic clove on the toasted bread before spreading the ricotta.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor. - Can I make this ahead of time?
The tomatoes and toast can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the bruschetta just before serving to keep the bread crispy. - Can I use pre-sliced bread for the toast?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a crusty variety like baguette or ciabatta for the best texture. - Can I add other toppings to this bruschetta?
Yes, feel free to add some olives, capers, or even prosciutto for a savory touch. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover roasted tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them before assembling the bruschetta. - Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free bread, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. - Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh tomatoes give the best results, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned tomatoes—just be sure to drain them well before roasting. - Can I make the ricotta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. - Can I freeze the roasted tomatoes?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the roasted tomatoes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them before serving. - What type of bread is best for bruschetta?
Baguette, ciabatta, or any crusty, dense bread works best for this recipe. Avoid soft bread, as it won’t crisp up as nicely.
Conclusion
Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes is an easy yet elegant appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. With the creamy ricotta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and crispy toast, this dish will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this bruschetta is sure to impress. Try it today and savor the simple joys of great food!
Print
Ricotta Bruschetta with Roasted Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and savory appetizer featuring creamy ricotta cheese topped with sweet, roasted tomatoes on crispy toasted bread. Perfect as a starter or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, halved (for rubbing on bread)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium heat. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and toast them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Once the bread is toasted, rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove to impart a mild garlic flavor.
- Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each toasted bread slice.
- Once the tomatoes are roasted, spoon them over the ricotta-topped bread.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
- If you want to add some protein, top the bruschetta with prosciutto or grilled chicken.
- This dish is best served fresh, but the roasted tomatoes can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg