If you love dishes that combine simple ingredients with fresh, vibrant flavors, then this Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Imagine the smoky crunch of perfectly grilled rustic bread topped with creamy ricotta, sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic hint of fresh basil, all finished with a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a quick, no-fuss appetizer that brings summer to your table any time of year and makes every bite a little celebration of Italian-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special.
- Rustic baguette or sourdough loaf slices (½-inch thick): The base of the dish provides the perfect crispy, chewy canvas for the toppings.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds rich flavor and helps the bread get that beautiful golden char on the grill.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese (1 cup): Offers a creamy, mild richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes wonderfully.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 pint): Their natural sweetness and juicy pop bring vibrant color and freshness to each bite.
- Garlic clove, halved (1): Used to gently infuse grilled bread slices with subtle garlic aroma and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze (1 tablespoon): Adds a sweet, tangy finish that elevates the overall taste profile delightfully.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (1 tablespoon): Provides herbal brightness and a classic Italian touch to complete the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of all ingredients.
How to Make Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Bread
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. While it’s warming up, brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil. This step ensures the bread crisps up beautifully without sticking, giving you that perfect grilled texture that’s essential to this dish.
Step 2: Grill the Bread
Place the oiled bread slices on the grill, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they develop a light char and become crunchy yet still tender inside. This quick grilling locks in flavor and brings out the wonderfully toasty notes that make this recipe shine.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Remove grilled bread from the heat and, while still warm, gently rub one side of each slice with the cut edge of the garlic clove. This adds a mild, aromatic garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients—such a simple trick that packs a punch.
Step 4: Add Ricotta and Tomatoes
Spread a generous spoonful of whole-milk ricotta over the garlic-rubbed side of each slice. Then, top with the halved cherry tomatoes. Their juicy sweetness contrasts beautifully against the creamy ricotta and smoky bread, creating layers of taste and texture you’ll crave.
Step 5: Drizzle and Finish
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the tomatoes, sprinkle your chopped fresh basil on top, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final flourish transforms the dish from simple to stunning, giving you that perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing this dish is so much fun because fresh herbs like basil or even a sprinkle of oregano add beautiful color and freshness. You can also gently drizzle extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt for that luxurious finish. Each garnish invites you to personalize your serving to fit your mood and taste preferences.
Side Dishes
Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some marinated olives. These sides keep the meal bright and balanced without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by arranging the prepared slices on a rustic wooden board or vibrant platter. You might also try stacking the slices slightly overlapping or serving them alongside a bowl of extra ricotta for dipping. For entertaining, spritz the platter with a bit of fresh lemon juice or decorate with whole basil leaves for an eye-catching spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, it’s best to keep the grilled bread and toppings separate. Store the grilled bread wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain crispness. Keep the ricotta and tomato topping refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two days.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze elements, consider freezing only the bread slices before grilling. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, thaw and grill as usual. Avoid freezing the ricotta and tomatoes as they lose texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat the bread, just pop it on a grill or in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes to regain that crispy texture. It’s better to add the ricotta and tomatoes fresh before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it ideal, but you can experiment with fresh mozzarella or cream cheese for a different taste. Keep in mind that these options may change the overall flavor profile and texture of the dish.
What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Cherry tomatoes are perfect because of their sweetness and size, which match the scale of the bread slices beautifully. However, grape tomatoes or small heirloom varieties can also work wonderfully.
Is it necessary to use a grill, or can I use a grill pan?
A grill pan works just fine if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just ensure it’s hot enough to grill the bread evenly and create those lovely char marks that are key to the recipe’s flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative like almond ricotta or cashew cheese, and make sure your balsamic glaze does not contain honey or other animal products. This keeps the dish fresh and delicious while meeting dietary preferences.
Can I prepare the tomatoes in advance?
Absolutely! Marinating the cherry tomatoes in olive oil and a pinch of salt for about 15 minutes before assembling enhances their flavor and softens them slightly, adding a nice depth to the overall dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about a dish that comes together in minutes but feels so thoughtfully crafted and satisfying. This Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe perfectly blends ease with elegance, making it a must-try whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a light lunch, or just treating yourself to something delicious and fresh. Give it a try—you’re going to love how this simple combination transforms into a crowd-pleaser that’s as charming as it is flavorful.
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Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Bread with Ricotta and Tomatoes is a delightful Italian appetizer featuring toasted rustic bread topped with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Enhanced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a hint of garlic, this easy-to-make snack is perfect for summer gatherings or a light starter.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 rustic baguette or sourdough loaf, sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for toasting the bread evenly and imparting a smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Bread: Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil to ensure it crisps nicely and gains a golden glaze during grilling.
- Grill the Bread: Place the bread slices on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are lightly charred, crisp, and toasted to perfection. Remove from heat.
- Flavor the Bread: While still warm, gently rub the cut side of the garlic clove over one side of each slice to give a subtle garlic aroma and taste.
- Assemble the Toppings: Spread a generous spoonful of whole-milk ricotta over the garlic-rubbed side of each grilled bread slice.
- Add Tomatoes: Top the ricotta with halved cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly across the slices.
- Finish and Season: Drizzle each slice with balsamic glaze, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the grilled bread immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, crispy bread and creamy ricotta with fresh toppings.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the cherry tomatoes in olive oil and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes before assembling the crostini.
- Using whipped ricotta cheese can provide a lighter, creamier texture that spreads more easily on the bread.
- Ensure the grill or grill pan is well heated to achieve perfect grill marks and prevent sticking.
