Description
These Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Roasted Strawberries & Balsamic Glaze are a bright, summery twist on an appetizer favorite. Crisp sourdough meets cloud-like ricotta, sweet roasted strawberries, and a rich balsamic reduction — all finished with a touch of fresh mint. It’s the kind of bite that surprises, delights, and disappears fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
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1 baguette or sourdough loaf, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
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1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
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1 tsp honey (optional, for ricotta)
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
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Fresh mint or basil leaves, for garnish
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Toast the Crostini:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush baguette slices with olive oil on both sides. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside. -
Roast the Strawberries:
Place sliced strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a tiny pinch of salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes until juicy and slightly caramelized. Let cool. -
Make the Whipped Ricotta:
In a food processor or bowl, whip ricotta with honey (if using), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy — about 1–2 minutes.
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Assemble the Crostini:
Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta on each crostini. Top with a few slices of roasted strawberries. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with black pepper, and garnish with mint or basil.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, blend ricotta with a tablespoon of cream cheese.
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Make it savory by adding a smear of goat cheese or a drizzle of chili oil.
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These are best served fresh but can be prepped ahead and assembled right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Roasting, Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: ~110 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg