Description
Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta is a delightful appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy whipped ricotta sweetened with honey, fresh ripe peach slices, and fragrant basil. Finished with an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze, this easy-to-make dish perfectly balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors ideal for summer gatherings or light snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Toppings
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Toasting Bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to prepare for toasting.
- Toast the baguette slices: Drizzle the baguette slices evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Whip the ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the honey. Use a whisk or electric mixer to whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
- Spread the ricotta: Generously spread the whipped ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice, ensuring an even layer for each bruschetta.
- Add peach slices: Arrange thinly sliced peach pieces on top of the ricotta-covered baguette slices. Use 2-3 slices per bruschetta, adjusting based on peach and bread size.
- Garnish with basil: Place fresh basil leaves on each bruschetta to add a burst of herbal aroma and visual appeal.
- Optional drizzle: For an extra depth of flavor, optionally drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta just before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or light snack to enjoy the crisp textures and balanced flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to prevent the slices from becoming too mushy on the bruschetta.
- The baguette slices can be toasted ahead of time and kept in an airtight container for a few hours before assembling.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness that complements the peaches well.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
