Tomato & Herbed Ricotta Bruschetta
A fast and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy ricotta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs on toasted bread. High in protein and fiber, and drizzled with olive oil for healthy fats, this bruschetta is perfect for snacks, lunch, or entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 knife for chopping herbs and tomatoes
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 toaster, broiler, or grill
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 8 –10 slices of French baguette or artisan bread ½-inch thick
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 –2 garlic cloves peeled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Begin by washing your cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Once cleaned, slice each tomato in half using a sharp knife, taking care to keep the pieces uniform for even flavor and presentation. Place the halved tomatoes into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper over them, then gently toss the tomatoes with your hands or a spoon to evenly coat. Set this bowl aside to allow the flavors to mingle while you prepare the other components.
- Make Herbed Ricotta Mixture: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy ricotta cheese with finely chopped spinach, basil, and chives. Use a spoon or spatula to fold the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that every bit of ricotta is evenly flecked with herbs. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and well-blended, with the vibrant green herbs distributed throughout. Taste the ricotta and add a small pinch of salt and black pepper if desired. Set the bowl aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the bread.
- Toast the Bread: Slice your baguette or artisan bread into ½-inch thick slices. For the best flavor and texture, toast the slices until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. You can do this using a toaster, under a preheated oven broiler, or on a hot grill pan. Keep a close eye on the bread, especially under the broiler or on the grill, as it can burn quickly. The goal is a light crispiness that will hold up under the ricotta mixture without becoming soggy.
- Infuse Bread with Garlic: Once the bread slices are toasted, take a whole peeled garlic clove and rub it firmly across the surface of each slice. The rough texture of the toasted bread helps release the garlic’s natural oils, imparting a fragrant, subtle flavor. You can adjust the intensity by rubbing more or fewer strokes depending on your preference. This step creates a beautiful aromatic base that complements the creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes perfectly.
- Add Olive Oil: After infusing the bread with garlic, lightly brush or drizzle the top side of each slice with 2–3 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil. This not only adds richness and depth of flavor but also ensures that the bruschetta has a slight, pleasing sheen, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Begin layering your bruschetta by spreading a generous spoonful of the herbed ricotta mixture onto each slice of toasted bread. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the mixture evenly across the surface, leaving the edges visible for a rustic look. Next, arrange the seasoned cherry tomato halves on top of the ricotta layer, pressing them lightly so they adhere but maintain their juicy texture.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Sprinkle a small pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the assembled bruschetta to enhance the flavors. For a finishing touch, garnish each slice with a few snipped chives and tiny pieces of chopped fresh basil. This not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also reinforces the fresh, herbal aroma that makes this bruschetta so appealing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the bruschetta on a serving plate, ideally in a single layer to maintain crispiness. Serve immediately while the bread is still slightly warm and the tomatoes juicy. This bruschetta makes a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal, and its combination of creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and juicy tomatoes ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Opt for high-quality ricotta cheese for creaminess; whole-milk ricotta adds richness, while part-skim keeps it lighter.
- When toasting bread, ensure it’s golden but not overly crisp to maintain a pleasant texture under the toppings.
- Fresh herbs are key; avoid dried herbs for this recipe as they lack the vibrant flavor.
- Garlic rubbing intensity can be adjusted to taste; start lightly and add more if desired.
- Olive oil should be extra virgin for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or parties.
