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