Can I make strawberry bruschetta ahead of time?

While the crostini and whipped ricotta can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, it’s best to assemble the strawberry bruschetta no more than 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the crostini remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the marinated strawberries.

Can I use a different cheese for the ricotta topping?

Yes! If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute ricotta with goat cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work wonderfully with the sweet strawberries and balsamic marinade.

How do I make the balsamic glaze for strawberry bruschetta?

You can easily make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with a little sugar over low heat. Once it thickens, drizzle it over the assembled bruschetta for extra flavor. Alternatively, store-bought balsamic glaze is also a great option for convenience.

Can I make strawberry bruschetta vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the ricotta cheese for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cream cheese or cashew-based ricotta. Use your favorite gluten-free bread or a suitable vegan baguette to keep the dish entirely plant-based.

Strawberry Bruschetta – Easy Summer Appetizer Recipe

Name: Strawberry Bruschetta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pint strawberries, hulled and diced; 3 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1 baguette, divided into 24 ½” slices; 2 tablespoons olive oil, or avocado oil; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; Balsamic glaze, to taste (optional)

Description

Strawberry Bruschetta is a fresh, savory twist on the classic summer appetizer, combining the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the crispiness of crostini and the creaminess of ricotta. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for your next summer gathering, bringing together a delightful balance of flavors that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pint strawberries, hulled and diced
3 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 baguette, divided into 24 ½” slices
2 tablespoons olive oil, or avocado oil
Kosher salt, to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons honey
Balsamic glaze, to taste (optional)

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Instructions

Combine strawberries, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl; set aside to marinate and develop flavor.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Whisk together the ricotta cheese and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Spread 2 teaspoons of ricotta cheese over each piece of crostini.
Top with a heaping tablespoon of marinated strawberries.
Garnish with additional fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a more savory version, you can add a slice of prosciutto on top of the crostini before the strawberries.
Make sure the crostini is toasted well to maintain its crisp texture.
Prepare the crostini and whipped ricotta up to 24 hours in advance, but assemble the bruschetta no more than 30 minutes before serving.
For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bruschetta
Calories: 142 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 189mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 12mg