If you need a simple appetizer that looks special but doesn’t take all day, this one checks every box. These ricotta crostini are fresh, creamy, and easy to prep ahead, which makes them perfect for busy moms and anyone hosting friends or family.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is ideal when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. You can prepare each part ahead of time and assemble everything just before serving. The flavors are simple but balanced, with creamy ricotta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and a touch of garlic in every bite. It’s also a great option if you’re newer to cooking but still want something that feels a little elevated.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 bunch fresh basil, divided
- 1 crusty bread loaf such as baguette or ciabatta
- Balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. In a small baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst. Set them aside to cool. You can even make these earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge.
Next, make the ricotta mixture. In a blender or food processor, combine the ricotta, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil, fresh basil, and a little salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. This step only takes a minute and makes the spread feel a bit more special than plain ricotta. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
Slice your bread into about 12 pieces. In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with the last garlic clove. Brush both sides of each slice with this mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp.
When it’s time to serve, spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture on each slice of toasted bread. Add a few roasted tomatoes on top, sprinkle with fresh basil, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Pro Tips
Use a sturdy bread with a crisp crust so it holds the toppings well without getting soggy.
If you’re short on time, you can roast the tomatoes and prepare the ricotta the day before.
If ricotta isn’t your favorite, you can use cream cheese, goat cheese, or mascarpone instead.
Nutrition Info
Each toast is about 126 calories, with around 5 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of fat. It also includes small amounts of fiber and natural sugars from the tomatoes. These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.