Sweet & Rustic Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Recipe for Spring

Sweet summer berries dance across crisp, golden crostini with a creamy ricotta spread that promises pure delight.

Strawberry ricotta crostini brings together classic Italian flavors in a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Crusty bread slices create the perfect canvas for soft, whipped ricotta cheese.

Ripe strawberries add a burst of vibrant color and refreshing sweetness to each bite.

Mint leaves scattered on top provide a subtle, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

This quick and beautiful appetizer works perfectly for casual gatherings or sophisticated parties.

Serve these delectable crostini and watch as your guests fall in love with every delicious mouthful.

Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Ingredient Essentials

• Baguette: A classic French bread that provides the perfect crispy foundation for this appetizer.

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy Italian cheese that adds a smooth and rich texture to the crostini.

• Strawberries: Fresh, sweet berries that bring a bright and juicy element to the dish.
• Lemon Zest: Citrusy zest that adds a subtle, refreshing tang to the strawberry mixture.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar: A combination that creates a syrupy, sweet-tangy reduction that enhances the overall flavor profile of the crostini.

Steps For Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Toast Crispy Bread Slices

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a fresh baguette and slice it into thin, elegant pieces.

Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven.

Bake until the edges turn golden and crisp, around 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Balsamic Strawberry Mixture

Prepare the strawberries by finely chopping them into small, delicate pieces.

In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring occasionally.

Let it simmer and reduce for 6-8 minutes until it transforms into a thick, glossy syrup.

Step 3: Zest and Blend Flavors

Carefully zest a fresh lemon, releasing its bright, citrusy essence.

Gently fold the lemon zest into the chopped strawberries.

Pour the reduced balsamic syrup over the strawberry mixture and stir with a light touch to combine all the vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Assemble Delightful Crostini

Take your crispy toasted bread slices and spread a generous layer of creamy ricotta cheese on each one.

Top the ricotta with the balsamic-glazed strawberry mixture.

The result is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy bites that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tips For Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Success

• Slice baguette evenly to ensure uniform crispiness and prevent burning.
• Watch the sauce closely while simmering to achieve a syrupy consistency without scorching.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant taste and natural sweetness.
• Apply a thin, even layer of ricotta to prevent overwhelming the delicate crostini.
• Grate lemon zest carefully to add bright citrus notes without bitter white pith.

Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Creative Variations

• Vegan Berry Crostini: Replace ricotta with cashew cream cheese, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and choose plant-based baguette slices.
• Gluten-Free Fruit Toast: Swap baguette with gluten-free bread or rice crackers, keep other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly version.
• Peach Lavender Crostini: Substitute strawberries with diced peaches, add a pinch of dried lavender for a floral summer variation.
• Goat Cheese Mediterranean Crostini: Use tangy goat cheese instead of ricotta, top with fresh mint and replace strawberries with chopped figs for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

Serving Suggestions For Strawberry Ricotta Crostini

• Elegant Appetizer Spread: Arrange crostini on a beautiful wooden board for an Instagram-worthy presentation that will impress guests at cocktail parties or summer gatherings.
• Brunch Companion: Pair these crostini with mimosas or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend morning meal that feels both sophisticated and relaxed.
• Healthy Snack Option: Enjoy as a light afternoon treat that combines protein from ricotta, fresh fruit nutrients, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a balanced mini-meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a crisp rosé or light white wine like pinot grigio to complement the sweet and acidic flavor profile of the strawberry crostini.

How To Store Strawberry Ricotta Crostini

• Store leftover crostini components separately in airtight containers. Keep toasted bread, ricotta, and strawberry mixture in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Warm the baguette slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300 F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Gently reheat the strawberry mixture in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain fresh flavor and prevent burning.
• Reassemble the crostini just before serving by spreading fresh ricotta and topping with warmed strawberry mixture to maintain the best texture and taste.

FAQs

• What's the best way to slice the baguette for crostini?

Use a sharp serrated knife and slice the baguette at a diagonal to create longer, more elegant pieces that provide better surface area for toppings.

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the baguette with ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread, but ensure the slices are thin and can be toasted crisp.

• How do I know when the balsamic reduction is ready?

The reduction is done when it coats the back of a spoon and has a syrupy consistency, which usually takes 6-8 minutes over medium heat.

Why Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Are So Special

• Whip Up Quick Appetizer: Perfect for impromptu gatherings, these crostini come together in minutes with minimal ingredients and simple preparation steps.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic baguette, ricotta, and strawberries into an elegant, restaurant-worthy bite that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Balance Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic reduction, creamy ricotta, and bright lemon zest for a sophisticated taste experience that delights every palate.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve as an appetizer, light lunch, or crowd-pleasing snack that suits casual get-togethers, brunch, or sophisticated cocktail parties with its gourmet yet accessible style.

Strawberry Ricotta Crostini Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this Strawberry Ricotta Crostini, where crisp Italian bread meets creamy ricotta and juicy berries. Elegant Italian flavors dance together, creating a simple yet sophisticated appetizer perfect for intimate gatherings and sunny afternoons.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread:

• 1/2 baguette

Strawberry and Ricotta:

• 1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
• 5 tablespoons ricotta

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and heat to 350 F (175 C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut baguette diagonally into thin ½-inch slices, creating uniform pieces for even toasting.
3. Arrange bread slices on prepared baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
4. While bread crisps, finely dice fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces.
5. In a small saucepan, merge balsamic vinegar with brown sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously.
6. Simmer balsamic mixture for 6-8 minutes, watching carefully until the liquid reduces and thickens to a syrupy consistency.
7. Grate fresh lemon zest using a microplane or fine grater to release aromatic oils.
8. Combine diced strawberries with lemon zest in a mixing bowl, gently folding to distribute zest evenly.
9. Pour reduced balsamic glaze over strawberry mixture, stirring delicately to coat without crushing fruit.
10. Spread a generous layer of creamy ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice.
11. Crown each crostini with the balsamic-infused strawberry mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Notes

• Toast bread at a slightly lower temperature if you prefer a softer crostini with less crunch.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the topping.
• Replace brown sugar with honey for a more delicate balsamic reduction if you want a lighter sweetness.
• Store any leftover balsamic reduction in the refrigerator for up to a week to use in other recipes or as a quick flavor enhancer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg