Ricotta Crostini with balsamic strawberries are drizzled with balsamic vinegar and makes for an elegant and delicious appetizer.
Need an easy appetizer to take with you to a summer barbecue or get together?
My balsamic strawberry toasted crostini with ricotta cheese & fresh basil is the perfect choice.
Fresh strawberries are in season and what better way to use them than tossed in a little balsamic vinegar and served on top of toasted French bread with a honey-flavored ricotta cheese and fresh basil from the garden.
This recipe is simple to make and your guests will polish them off. Sweet red strawberries take on an even sweeter taste when marinated in an aged balsamic vinegar.
Using vinegar may sound strange, but it’s actually a strawberry’s best friend.
What does ricotta cheese taste like?
Ricotta cheese is light and creamy and low in fat. It is typically used in lasagnas or ravioli dishes but is also delicious in desserts and appetizers. It’s a perfect replacement for mascarpone cheese and ideal for this recipe.
I drizzled on some local honey I picked up at the farmer’s market and added fresh cracked pepper. Then I spoon it onto crusty crostini slices. Lastly, I topped it with balsamic strawberries and fresh basil.
OMG delicious!
I took a plate of these ricotta crostini to a Kentucky Derby party and they were a hit. They are the perfect finger food toasts and an ideal bite-size portions. One loaf makes plenty.
This recipe would also be delicious with raspberries or blackberries.
Balsamic strawberries are delicious served on top of yogurt or pound cake and make for an elegant dessert or appetizer.
Love these ricotta crostini? Try these appetizers!
- Peach Crostini with Whipped Honey Ricotta
- Melon and Prosciutto Skewers with Pecorino Romano
- Chorizo & Manchego Stuffed Mushrooms
- PF Changs Lettuce Wraps (Copycat)
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Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- Olive oil
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 pound strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Adjust the oven racks and preheat the broiler to 500°F. Slice the French bread into 1/4 inch slices. Brush olive oil using a pastry brush to one side of the bread. Broil for 5 minutes watching closely to make sure the bread doesn't brown too quickly. Once browned remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a platter.
- In a small bowl mix together the ricotta cheese, honey and fresh cracked pepper. In a separate bowl, allow the strawberries and balsamic vinegar to marinate for 20 minutes.
- Top each slice of French bread with a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture and top with strawberries and chopped basil. Serve immediately.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #homeandplate. I’d love to see what you cook!
What You’ll Need for this Recipe
Ohhh, these look lovely. I love Strawberry Crostini but have never made them with ricotta. Will definitely try next time.
Strawberry crostini are super tasty when the strawberries are in season. A little balsamic on top and they are fabulous.
Oh my, this almost stopped my heart! Such a delicious looking picture! Now I don’t think I can rest until I’ve made these…
You are so sweet…thank you Tina. They did turn out delicious. I wish I could share them right from the page. Let me know how they turn out:)
These look so refreshing and indulgent without being too heavy or rich. Love this idea!
Thanks Dana…they were were a big hit and disappeared fast at the party I brought them too. I hope you like them:)
Not only do those strawberries look like they were pure perfection, but it sounds like a perfect cookout treat to bring. I love to take things that don’t have to be served warm!
Thanks Mackenzie…these strawberry crostini are so easy to make and are great for an appetizer any time during the summer. And yes…served room temperature:)
This looks so so good!
This appetizer is beautiful and sounds delicious! Pinning 🙂
Thanks Renee… I appreciate the compliment:)
What a beautiful, vibrant recipe! I love the ease with which it comes together, and how unique it is.
I hope you enjoy it. Perfect way to use up those strawberries:)
i think I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!! looks amazing
Thanks Heather. I think it would be tasty any time of the day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner:)
The sweet and creamy flavour combination here made this a summer favourite in my books. I’ve featured it in my <a href="http://immigrantstable.com/2016/06/23/the-best-strawberry-recipes-with-a-twist/#.V3Os4yMrLR0">round-up of the best strawberry dishes (with a twist)</a>, thanks so much for creating it 🙂
Thanks Ksenia for including me in your round up. This Strawberry Crostini recipe has quickly become a party favorite. I hope you like it.