These quick and easy 5 ingredient Tomato & Ricotta Toasts are a super simple appetizer for any gathering of family and friends. 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 for some freshness and that all important party plate appeal.
This is simple, flavorsome food at its best and exactly the kind of 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 tomato bruschetta 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 Toasts?
- This is a five ingredient only appetizer, and couldn't be easier to put together
- Served as a canape, these Italian inspired crostini can be easily doubled or tripled, ready to cater for any number of guests.
- The toast part of this finger food can be made well in advance - meaning you only have to assemble them on the day.
How to Make Tomato & Ricotta Toasts
Find a full printable recipe with measurements below.
Cut a baguette into diagonal slices, brush with olive oil then 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 toast with a generous smear of ricotta and two tomatoes. Season 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 ricotta?
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 ciabatta or 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.
- If you don't have ricotta cheese, substitute with either cream cheese or a little Italian mascarpone instead.
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 Roasted Tomato Crostini?
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 toasts 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 CROSTINI?
You can make and freeze the toast portion of this appetizer.
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.
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More Easy Appetizer Ideas
Printable Recipe
Tomato & Ricotta Toasts - Easy Appetizer
Ingredients
- 30 Cherry Tomatoes
- ⅓ cup 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.
- Using a pastry brush, brush them 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).
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