These Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Crostini are the kind of appetizer that looks fancy but is incredibly simple to prepare. With golden toasted baguette slices, creamy ricotta with a hint of lemon, and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, they bring gourmet flavor to any gathering — with minimal effort.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, building a tapas board, or looking for a bite-sized vegetarian snack, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Recipe Highlights
- Servings: 12 crostini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Appetizers, holiday parties, elegant snacks, or vegetarian entertaining
Ingredients
For the roasted tomatoes:
- 250g cherry or grape tomatoes (use mixed colors for visual appeal)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For the ricotta spread:
- 200g fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the crostini base:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1 cm pieces
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
1. Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with thyme, and roast for 15–20 minutes, until soft, wrinkled, and slightly caramelized.
2. Toast the Baguette
While the tomatoes roast, brush the baguette slices with olive oil. Toast them in a hot skillet or oven for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
3. Mix the Ricotta Spread
In a bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Crostini
Spread each toast with a generous layer of ricotta. Top with 2–3 roasted tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Extra Tips
- Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory twist.
- Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation.
- Prep components ahead — assemble just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is more than just a crostini — it’s a bite of sunshine. The creaminess of ricotta, the depth of roasted tomatoes, and the crunch of toasted bread come together in perfect harmony. It’s one of those go-to recipes that always impresses.
Leave a Reply