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    Home » Appetizers » Ricotta Crostini with Tomato

    Ricotta Crostini with Tomato

    Apr 7, 2020 · 22 Comments

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    These quick 5 ingredient Ricotta Crostini with tomato are the perfect easy appetizer for a gathering of family and friends. Always a total crowd pleaser, set out a platter of these mouthwatering crostini canapés and let everyone help themselves!

    Tomato and cheese is always a winning flavor combination. Just top with a sprinkling of micro greens or fresh herbs for that all important party plate appeal.

    This is a great appetizer and exactly the kind of simple recipe you need up your sleeve to keep entertaining totally stress free.

    When a recipe is this simple, it is worth using the best ingredients you can find. But even if your tomatoes aren’t peak-season ripe, the oven roasting process sweetens and intensify their flavor perfectly.

    This crunchy crostini also transports well so is a perfect potluck appetizer. Just assemble the toasts before you go and arrange on a wooden board or tray.

    Why You Should Make Tomato & Ricotta Crostini?

    • This easiest appetizer is five simple ingredients only!
    • Served as a canape, these Italian inspired crostini can be easily doubled or tripled, ready to cater for any number of guests.
    • The baguette slices can be toasted well in advance - meaning you only have to assemble them on the day.

    How to Make Tomato & Ricotta Crostini

    Find a full printable recipe card with detailed instructions below.

    Cut the bread slices diagonally, brush with extra virgin olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a parchment lined baking tray.

    Bake until golden & crispy.

    Meanwhile toss the tomatoes in more olive oil and salt then roast in the oven.

    Allow the toasts and tomatoes to cool.

    Top each slice of bread with a generous smear of the ricotta mixture and two roasted tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, cut in half and top with micro greens if using.

    Why roast tomatoes?

    Roasting tomatoes really intensifies their flavor. It's especially useful if you're using tomatoes out of season, when their natural flavor may not be at it's best. Simply drizzle over some olive oil and season with a little sea salt. The roasting process draws out the water in these delicious red fruits, leaving them sweeter and full of rich tomato flavor.

    What is crostini?

    Crostini is a great base for an easy appetizer recipe. It basically means thin slices of bread brushed with olive oil and then toasted.

    The word crostini means “little crusts” in Italian. The idea is then to add a delicious topping.

    What is ricotta?

    Whole milk Ricotta cheese is an Italian whey cheese made from either sheep, cow or goats milk. It is a soft curd style cheese that was created in Italy to use up the whey byproduct in the cheese making process.

    Is ricotta the same as cream cheese?

    Often confused, ricotta differs from cream cheese. Where cream cheese is made with cream and milk, Ricotta is made from milk only. Therefore, ricotta has a lower fat content than say a cream cheese or mascarpone.

    Is ricotta vegetarian?

    Most whey cheese, like cottage cheese, paneer or ricotta are made without rennet and therefore suitable for anyone following a vegetarian diet.

    However, as with any dietary advice, it is always worth checking the packing to ensure nothing has been added.

    How many canapés to serve?

    If I'm hosting a party I like to serve 4-6 different canapés per person. Ideally all of these will be prepared ahead of time so that I only have to put them out when my guests arrive.

    Need some ideas for canapés? Then why not try some of my other appetizers like these Cranberry Goats Cheese Toasts or my Easy Shrimp Appetizer with Dips. I'm all about great make ahead finger food that can feed a crowd.

    Variations of Tomato & Ricotta Toasts:

    • I have used a French baguette as it has a lovely crisp crust. You can also use Italian bread or any similar crusty style bread.
    • Cherry tomatoes add a mellow sweetness to these simple toasts. You could also use baby plum or similar small sized tomatoes.
    • Adding some peeled fresh garlic to the roasting tomatoes is a great way of giving it a subtle garlic flavor.
    • If you don't have ricotta cheese, substitute with either cream cheese or a little Italian mascarpone instead.
    • Add a little fresh lemon zest to the ricotta for a hint of citrus.
    • A drizzle of balsamic vinegar to finish would work well here too.
    • Alternatively drizzle over some sweet honey or even hot honey for a kick.

    Tips For Making Tomato & Ricotta Toasts:

    • When making these appetizers, allow both the toasts and tomatoes to cool completely before assembling. This will stop the toasts from becoming soggy.
    • Be generous with the toppings! There's nothing as off putting as a stingy toast serve These need to feel full and bountiful.
    • Watch the toasts closely in the oven - they should be a nice golden brown. If they are under-toasted you don't get the crunch.
    • Make sure you season these toasts really well with sea salt if you can. It really brings out the flavor in the ricotta and tomato.

    How To Serve this delicious appetizer?

    Because they're versatile, these toasts can also be served as a simple starter, allowing 4 per person with a side salad.

    Alternatively they're perfect as part of a bigger finger food table for any party or large family gathering.

    Can you make Tomato Ricotta Crostini in advance?

    A great prep ahead canape, you can make the toasts and roast the tomatoes up to two days ahead but don’t make them up until an hour before you intend to eat them or they can go soggy!

    Make sure you keep the slices of french baguettes sealed in an airtight container or bag out at room temperature until you need them.

    Never wrap baked crostini while warm or they will go soggy. And don't store them in the fridge as this can also lead to soggy bread.

    CAN YOU FREEZE these Ricotta crostini?

    You can make and freeze the toast portion of this appetizer.

    The best way is to first bake and completely cool the toasts on a rack and then store in an airtight container. They will freeze for up to 3 months.

    Make sure you thoroughly defrost at room then 'refresh' the toasts in a 375ºF/170ºC oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

    Pin This Tomato & Ricotta Toasts Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and slices of French bread topped with ricotta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes on a wooden board with microgreens scattered over.

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

    Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!

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    More Easy Appetizer Ideas

    • 4 Ingredient Sour Cream and Chive Dip
    • Easy Corn Ribs (Corn Riblets)
    • Steak Crostini
    • Oven Quesadillas with Black Bean & Sweet Potato

    Printable Recipe

    Ricotta Crostini with Tomatoes

    These quick 5 ingredient Ricotta Crostini with tomato are the perfect easy appetizer for a gathering of family and friends. Always a total crowd pleaser, set out a platter of these mouthwatering crostini canapés and let everyone help themselves!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 30
    Calories 75 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes - Around 30 cherry tomatoes
    • ⅓ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - divided
    • 1 small French Baguette Stick
    • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese
    • Sea Salt and Black Pepper
    • Microgreens - optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
    • Line a sheet pan with parchment. Place the cherry tomatoes on the pan and toss them in 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt.
    • Roast for around 20 minutes
    • Meanwhile, cut the baguette into 15 diagonal slices around ½ inch thick.
    • Place the bread slices onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Put the olive oil into a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the little toasts with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with sea salt.
    • Bake for around 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
    • Let the toasts and tomatoes cool fully (to avoid the toasts going soggy!)
    • Top each toast slice with a generous smear of ricotta and 2 or 3 roasted tomatoes. Season again, cut in half and serve. Finish with micro greens if desired (this is optional).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 67mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Anything Frittata (Clear The Fridge!) »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Choclette says

      November 15, 2022 at 5:32 am

      5 stars
      Love this sort of simple finger food. It's easy to put together yet the flavours are so good. Roasted tomatoes are flavour bombs in themselves.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 17, 2022 at 3:13 pm

        They really are!! So true. Thanks so much for your comment Choclette

        Reply
    2. Chloe Edges says

      November 15, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      I love how deliciously simple this is but well thought out - lightly roasted tomatoes are so much more nice to eat than raw toms!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 17, 2022 at 3:12 pm

        They really are. Thanks so much for your comment Chloe

        Reply
    3. Sisley White - Sew White says

      November 15, 2022 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      Bitesize perfection! I know they're meant for sharing but they're really good on your own too.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 17, 2022 at 3:11 pm

        Haha I've been known to eat the whole plate. Thanks Sisley!!

        Reply
    4. Rebecca - Glutarama says

      November 17, 2022 at 6:26 am

      5 stars
      What an adorable little starter or canape. So easy to make gluten free too with a gluten free baguette. I'll be making these for party season. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 17, 2022 at 3:08 pm

        Hope you enjoy! Thanks so much for your comment Rebecca!

        Reply
    5. Cat | Curly's Cooking says

      November 17, 2022 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Love these flavours and I would very happily make a bigger version for lunch.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        Great idea, me too! Thanks for your commment!

        Reply
    6. Janice says

      November 19, 2022 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      I love a simple appetiser and these are just perfect.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 21, 2022 at 10:58 am

        Me too Janice. Thanks so much for your feedback, hope you enjoy making these.

        Reply
    7. Greta says

      March 24, 2023 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      Love these toasts. I love the ricotta and tomato combination. I am literally obsessed. Thanks x

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:48 am

        Thank you for commenting Greta, glad you loved these!

        Reply
    8. Sharon says

      March 24, 2023 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      These little toasts were perfect for appetizers before our last family dinner. We drizzled them with balsamic as suggested and it made them AMAZING!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:48 am

        Love them with balsamic - thanks so much Sharon.

        Reply
    9. Sharina says

      March 24, 2023 at 10:46 pm

      5 stars
      I enjoyed making these adorable Ricotta Crostini with tomato. It was a easy appetizer that pleased my guests! And they were instagramable!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:49 am

        Glad they worked well! And for the 'gram! Thank you Sharina.

        Reply
    10. Elizabeth S says

      March 25, 2023 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      I served these at a girls brunch party. Everyone loved them. They were easy to make and I would definitely make again.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 25, 2023 at 4:44 pm

        Hi - sounds like fun! Thank you so much for your comment.

        Reply
    11. Addison says

      March 25, 2023 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      These ricotta toasts were creamy and crispy and so delicious! Such a great appetizer. Yum!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 25, 2023 at 4:44 pm

        Thanks Addison, happy you enjoyed these.

        Reply

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