Garden Tomato and Herb Ricotta Toasts

Welcome to a culinary journey where simplicity meets extraordinary flavor! This Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Crostini is more than just an appetizer; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients, especially those juicy, sun-ripened summer tomatoes. Perfectly balanced with creamy, herb-infused ricotta, and nestled atop crisp baguette slices, this delightful snack promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual get-together, or simply seeking a fresh bite, this crostini brings an irresistible taste of elegance and comfort to your table.

Contents

Elevating Your Appetizer Game: Beyond the Usual Bites

Let’s be real, when it comes to big events like the Super Bowl, the game itself is often just the backdrop for the real main event: the food! While I appreciate the thrill of football, especially the passionate college rivalries (Go Blue! Thanks to my son Casey at Michigan, and my brothers-in-law from Alabama and Notre Dame!), my focus often shifts to the spread. And if you’re like me, you might be yearning for something beyond the predictable lineup of hot dogs in puff pastry or mini meatballs.

Our palates evolve, and so should our party menus! It’s time to move past the nostalgic “weenie tots” of our college days and embrace appetizers that truly impress with their freshness and gourmet appeal. Imagine crisp baguette, bursting-with-flavor vine-ripened tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luscious herbed ricotta. Sounds like a winning play, doesn’t it?

The Inspiration: Celebrating Seasonal Bounty

The best recipes often begin with the best ingredients. For this crostini, inspiration struck during a visit to the local farmers market. Strolling through the vibrant stalls, I encountered an abundance of gorgeous, bright red, vine-ripened tomatoes. Their rich color and enticing aroma immediately brought to mind my favorite summer appetizer: Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Crostini. Here in Jersey, our summer tomatoes are legendary – big, beautiful, and exceptionally beefy, making them ideal for everything from classic BLTs to fresh bruschetta and comforting grilled cheese sandwiches. While this recipe shines brightest with peak-season summer tomatoes, quality hothouse varieties can extend its enjoyment throughout the year, bringing a ray of sunshine to any occasion.

This appetizer is not only delicious but also incredibly quick and simple to assemble, making it a perfect choice for both impromptu gatherings and carefully planned soirées. The magic lies in the harmony of a few high-quality components coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Crafting the Perfect Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Crostini

Let’s break down the artistry behind this flavorful crostini. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and utterly satisfying bite:

The Foundation: Crispy Baguette

A great crostini starts with a great base. Begin with a fresh, crusty French baguette. The key is to slice it into uniform 1/2-inch rounds. These slices are then lightly toasted until golden brown, creating a sturdy yet delicate canvas. To add an instant layer of robust flavor, each warm, toasted slice is gently rubbed with a peeled garlic clove. This infuses the bread with a subtle, aromatic garlic essence without being overpowering. Finally, a light brush of good quality olive oil adds richness and a beautiful sheen, preparing the crostini for its delicious toppings.

The Creamy Heart: Herbed Ricotta

The ricotta mixture is where the magic truly unfolds. Whole milk ricotta cheese provides a wonderfully creamy, mild base. To this, we add grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami depth. The fresh herbs are non-negotiable here; finely chopped fresh basil and chives introduce bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish. A pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper seasons the mixture to perfection, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a spread that is both luxurious and invigorating, providing a delightful contrast to the crisp baguette.

The Vibrant Topping: Juicy Tomatoes

The star of the show, the vine-ripened tomatoes, are carefully sliced and then halved, allowing for easy placement and an appealing presentation. Seasoning them with a touch of salt and pepper before assembly enhances their natural sweetness and juiciness. These vibrant red gems are not just for color; they provide a refreshing burst of acidity and a tender texture that beautifully complements the creamy ricotta and crunchy bread. The quality of your tomatoes truly makes a difference here, so opt for the freshest, most flavorful ones you can find.

Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Success and Variations

Making Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Crostini is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure your appetizer is always a showstopper:

Tomato Selection: While summer vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal, look for organic or local hothouse varieties during off-season months. Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, can also be a delightful alternative, offering a burst of concentrated flavor.
Herb Freshness: Fresh basil and chives are paramount. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same vibrant taste. Consider growing a small herb garden for easy access to fresh ingredients.
Baguette Toasting: Keep a close eye on the baguette slices under the broiler. They can go from golden to burnt in seconds. Toasting them in batches on separate baking sheets helps prevent overcrowding and ensures even browning.
Garlic Rub: Don’t skip rubbing the toasted baguette with garlic. This simple step imparts a subtle, foundational flavor that is crucial to the crostini’s profile.
Assembly Timing: For optimal crispness, assemble the crostini just before serving. While the ricotta mixture can be prepared in advance, adding the tomatoes too early might make the bread soggy.

Creative Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with your crostini! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

A Touch of Sweetness: Drizzle a thin layer of balsamic glaze over the finished crostini for a sweet and tangy counterpoint.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture for a subtle warmth.
Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or a hint of thyme to alter the flavor profile.
Added Protein: Top with a thin slice of prosciutto or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and richness.
Other Cheeses: A dash of crumbled feta or goat cheese could also work beautifully with the tomatoes and herbs.

This Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Crostini is an appetizer that effortlessly combines ease of preparation with gourmet appeal. It’s fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning, making it a clear winner for any occasion, from a casual family meal to a festive gathering. Say goodbye to tired old party snacks and welcome this vibrant, refreshing dish into your culinary repertoire. Your taste buds will thank you!

Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Crostini

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Servings: 20 servings

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This Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Crostini is a delicious way to use up those ripe, summer tomatoes. It’s a fresh appetizer, snack that everyone always enjoys!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

5 medium vine ripe tomatoes, sliced and then halve each slice
1 15 ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. chives, finely chopped
2 French baguettes, cut into 1/2 inch slices (20 slices)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3 Tbsp. olive oil
kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Slice and then halve the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
In small bowl stir together the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, basil, chives, 1 tsp. kosher salt and 1/2 tsp. ground pepper.
Slice each baguette into 10 slices about 1/2 inch thick. Place slices on a baking sheet and toast in the broiler until lightly browned. Watch the tray so they don’t burn. (Consider toasting one tray at a time for best results).
When done toasting rub each baguette slice with the garlic clove and then brush the tops of the baguette slices with olive oil.
To assemble the crostini, spread each slice with the ricotta mixture and then top each slice with two pieces of the tomato. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with some extra parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Keyword: basil, French baguette, ricotta cheese, tomatoes

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

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