Bright, fresh, and delightfully creamy, this Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Bruschetta is a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.
Packed with plant-based protein from ricotta, fiber from fresh greens, and heart-healthy olive oil, it’s low in saturated fat and carbs.
Quick to assemble and full of flavor, it’s a go-to option for easy, nutritious snacking or entertaining.
Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta
Equipment
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 toaster, oven broiler, or grill
- 1 spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh spinach finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 baguette or artisan bread cut into ½-inch slices (8–10 slices)
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 –2 garlic cloves peeled and whole
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Start by washing your cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Once clean, use a sharp knife to cut each tomato in half, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking and presentation. Place the halved tomatoes in a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor. Set aside while you prepare the ricotta mixture, allowing the tomatoes to absorb the seasoning.
- Make the Herbed Ricotta Mixture: In a separate small mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese as the creamy base for your bruschetta. Finely chop the spinach leaves, basil, and chives, ensuring the herbs are fresh and aromatic. Add the chopped greens to the ricotta and gently stir using a spatula or spoon. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, herb-infused spread. Taste lightly and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Set the mixture aside for assembly.
- Toast the Bread Slices: Take your baguette or artisan bread and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. You can toast the bread in a variety of ways under a broiler in the oven, in a toaster, or even on a preheated grill for a smoky flavor. Toast until the slices are golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. This will provide a sturdy base for your toppings while adding a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning, as it can brown quickly.
- Infuse Bread with Garlic Flavor: Once the bread is toasted, take a peeled whole garlic clove and rub it vigorously across the surface of each slice. The rough texture of the toasted bread will help shave small bits of garlic, infusing the toast with a subtle yet rich garlicky aroma. Use 2–3 strokes per slice, adjusting to taste. This step adds depth of flavor without overwhelming the freshness of the toppings.
- Add Olive Oil Drizzle: Lightly brush or drizzle each garlic-rubbed slice of toast with olive oil. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and heart-healthy fats. This step not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall richness of the bruschetta while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the ricotta.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Begin assembling your bruschetta by spreading a generous layer of the herbed ricotta mixture over each toasted bread slice. Ensure the spread covers the entire surface evenly to provide a creamy base for the tomatoes. Next, carefully arrange the seasoned halved cherry tomatoes on top of the ricotta layer. Press them lightly to ensure they stay in place. This combination of creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes creates a perfect flavor balance in every bite.
- Garnish and Final Touches: To finish, sprinkle a few extra chopped chives and fresh basil leaves on top of each bruschetta slice. Add an additional pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired to further enhance the flavors. You can also drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil for extra shine and richness. Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp, and the tomatoes are fresh, maintaining the contrast of textures and flavors.
- Serving Tips: Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter for an attractive presentation. These bites are perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or snack. They can also be served alongside salads, soups, or a charcuterie board. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh aromas that make this dish both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Choose high-quality ricotta cheese—fresh, creamy ricotta makes a noticeable difference.
- Bread should be slightly stale or firm; this helps it hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Adjust garlic rubbing according to taste; more rub gives a stronger garlic flavor.
- Herbs can be varied—try parsley or oregano if basil is unavailable.
- Olive oil should be extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits.
- This recipe is best served immediately for optimal crunch and freshness.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Bruschetta
The key to perfect bruschetta lies in balancing textures and flavors.
Start with well-toasted bread that’s crisp but not overly hard.
When rubbing garlic, lightly press and rotate the clove to release subtle, aromatic oils without overwhelming the dish.
For the ricotta mixture, ensure herbs are finely chopped; this helps them integrate fully, giving every bite a harmonious flavor.
You can also let the tomatoes rest with a pinch of salt while preparing the ricotta—the slight marination enhances their natural sweetness and juiciness.
Finally, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving adds shine, richness, and heart-healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This bruschetta makes a versatile appetizer or light snack.
Serve it on a decorative platter for parties or as part of a colorful antipasto board.
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon to complement the fresh, creamy flavors.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
The fresh herbs and vibrant tomatoes make it a visually stunning dish that works for casual weeknight snacks or elegant entertaining.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can store components separately.
Keep the ricotta mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Halved tomatoes can be lightly salted and stored in a covered bowl for the same duration.
Toasted bread should be kept at room temperature in a paper bag to maintain its crunch.
Assemble the bruschetta just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Avoid pre-assembling more than a few hours in advance to preserve texture and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can. Slice regular tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Just remember that larger tomatoes contain more moisture, so pat them dry slightly with a paper towel to avoid soggy toast.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Replace ricotta with a plant-based alternative like almond or cashew ricotta. Make sure to use olive oil as a drizzle, and the result will remain creamy, fresh, and flavorful.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance: chop the herbs, mix the ricotta, and halve the tomatoes. However, toast the bread and assemble just before serving to maintain a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
4. What other breads work for bruschetta?
Any firm artisan bread or baguette works well. Sourdough or ciabatta are excellent alternatives. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it tends to get soggy quickly when layered with toppings.
5. How do I adjust the flavor if it’s too bland?
Increase the salt and pepper slightly, or rub more garlic onto the toast. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavor and add a subtle tang.
