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
Scale
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.
