These Roasted Tomato Crostini come together with 6 ingredients in under 15 minutes — charred, juicy tomatoes get piled onto crisp, toasted bread. Everything cooks on the grill, so the kitchen stays cool even on a hot summer day.
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Sometimes warm summer days call for somewhat impromptu gatherings! These Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini are a great solution for a last-minute appetizer, as they only take a few ingredients and are pretty easy to make. Serve them with this Rosé Sangria, or just a still Rosé, for a great pairing!
Contents:
Ingredient Notes
The full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
- Tomatoes: Any type of slightly sweet grape or cherry tomato works for this recipe. Later in summer, it's a great way to use up late-summer garden tomatoes!
- Basil: Since you are using it as part of the pre-grill seasoning, dried basil works best for this recipe. You can add a bit of fresh basil as an extra garnish just before serving.
- Bread: I recommend using a baguette as you don't want the slices of bread to be too large. If you can get it pre-sliced from the bakery, that's ideal, as the slices will all be the same thickness.
- Ricotta: Either whole-milk or part-skim works.
- Balsamic glaze: This is a great finishing ingredient for salads and many appetizers. The balsamic reduction adds a sweet, tangy flavor. A bottle will keep in your pantry for about 6 months so it's worth grabbing one to have on hand. Most major grocery stores carry it.
How to make this recipe
Only a few easy steps are needed to pull this recipe together:
Grill the tomatoes. Start by tossing the sliced tomatoes with some dried basil and olive oil. Then add them to a grill pan and grill them for about 6 minutes.
Grill the bread. If your grill is large enough, you can grill the bread and the tomatoes at the same time. You'll brush one side of each slice with oil and grill with the oiled side on the grill grates.
Assemble. Once everything is cooked it's a quick assembly. Spread the ricotta on the toasted bread, top with tomatoes, and then drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top and you are ready to serve.
Entertaining tip --> I assemble a platter of these right before I'm ready to serve and then reserve the rest of the ingredients until guests are ready for more. This way you don't end up with soggy bread.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or so if preassembled. If you have not already assembled the toasts, I'd recommend keeping everything separate until you are ready to use it, as the bread will get a bit soggy from the ricotta and tomatoes.
Testing Notes
- Make sure the grill is really clean! Since the bread is going directly on the grill it will pick up any residual flavors so give your grill grates a good cleaning before you start.
- Don't sub balsamic vinegar. Since it's a more common ingredient, I tried drizzling balsamic vinegar over the crostini, but it doesn't have the same flavor impact and it gets a bit messy since it doesn't stay put like the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
If you are looking to create a great menu for your next summer party, I'd include:
Appetizers and Snacks: Cowboy Caviar
Main Courses: Pulled Pork Sliders or Southwestern Turkey Burger Sliders
Salads and Sides: Tortellini Pasta Salad or Mexican Street Corn Salad
Desserts: Mini Lemon Cheesecakes or Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
While this recipe is designed as a party appetizer it also makes a great light lunch or a tasty afternoon snack!
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Roasted Tomato Ricotta Crostini
Ingredients
- 40 - 45 grape or other small sweet tomatoes, (less than a pint, halved)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 20 baguette slices, about half a baguette
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- balsamic glaze, to taste
- fresh basil , optional
Instructions
- Heat the grill. Pre-heat your grill to medium-low heat.
- Prepare the tomatoes. Add tomatoes, basil and olive oil to a small mixing bowl. Toss to coat.
- Prepare the bread. Brush or spray one side of each baguette slice with olive oil.
- Grill. Place a veggie grilling pan or basket on the grill and add the tomatoes. Place the baguette slices oil side face down on the grill. Cook both tomatoes and baguette for 6 minutes, until baguette is golden brown. Remove both from grill.
- Assemble. Place the toasted baguette slices on a serving tray. Top with ricotta cheese and tomato (about 2 tomato pieces per slice). Drizzle with balsamic glaze and some fresh basil ribbons (if desired). Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in August 2016. It was updated in August 2023 with some new information and photos. No changes were made to the original recipe.
michele
Ive never thought to use ricotta on a toast like that! Im an idiot because that is flipping brilliant! thanks so much for the great idea!
Michelle
Simple and classy appetizer! I love it. The flavors of the tomatoes, ricotta and balsamic glaze make this absolutely heaven. I'm sure your guests were asking for more. Fantastic.
Jenni LeBaron
These are such a great option for a dinner party or when you would like to serve a small bite to eat before the main course. Love anything with ricotta!
eLCitraKale@myhomediaryinturkey
quick and easy meal is always my choice when somebody would come over to my house.. And you give me such a great and yummy idea to make one.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I like appetizers that are so easy to make, quick and yet packed with a lot of flavors! And I like the pairing with a nice rosé!
Tina
I love crostini and I never thought to use ricotta. This is great! Thanks for sharing:)
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I'm game for anything with bread, cheese, and balsamic. I'll take a plateful, please!
Claire @ The Simple, Sweet Life
I LOVE last minute appetizers. No matter what, they always seem to be the thing I forget to plan. I'll definitely keep these in mind the next time I'm entertaining.
Christine
I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year and think that these would be an amazing appetizer. My family would absolutely love them!
Amanda
Roasted tomatoes are SO delicious, and I love that you've paired them with creamy ricotta and sweet-tangy balsamic. What a great and easy appetizer for the upcoming entertaining season.
FoodieGirlChicago
Thanks Amanda. I'm a fan of ricotta and balsamic - so many possibilities!
Kate
All of these flavors sound soooo good! I love balsamic with tomatoes. So delicious!
Jere Cassidy
I have discovered how much I love ricotta cheese (not just in lasagne) so I am glad to have your crostini recipe for something new to try. I love how easy this appetizer is.
Urban Foodie Kitchen
Thanks Jere! It's one of my favorites for summer parties.
Amy Liu Dong
I love everything about this recipe, it is so easy and delicious!
Ann
I have made something similar as an appetizer for holiday gatherings. I love the look of your's, so definitely following your recipe next time!