If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant appetizer that bursts with flavor and color, you absolutely must try this Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe. This dish brings together the smoky crunch of grilled baguette slices, the luscious sweetness of roasted cherries, and the creamy brightness of lemon-infused ricotta, all accented by the fresh herbaceous punch of basil. It’s a delightful blend that feels both elegant and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six pieces of toasted bread arranged closely on a white plate, each piece layered with a thick spread of white creamy cheese as the first layer. On top of the cheese, there are glossy, dark red cherries that look juicy and fresh, placed in small clusters on each toast. Some of the cherries are whole, while others are sliced in half, revealing their deep red insides. Small green basil leaves are scattered over the cherries, adding a touch of bright green color and freshness to the dish. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and elegant look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute a unique element—whether it’s the juicy burst of cherries, the creamy tang of ricotta, or the fragrant basil ribbons—making the final dish a feast for the senses.

French baguette: Use a fresh baguette, sliced diagonally for the perfect size crostini that crisps up beautifully on the grill.
Fresh dark sweet cherries: Pitted and halved, these become irresistibly juicy when roasted, adding natural sweetness and a gorgeous deep color.
Olive oil: A drizzle helps roast the cherries evenly and adds a subtle richness that complements the fruit’s brightness.
Pure maple syrup: This adds a gentle caramelized sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon zest.
Lemon zest and juice: Both are essential for infusing brightness—zest in the cherries and the ricotta, and juice in the ricotta to add a zingy freshness.
Whole milk ricotta: Creamy and mild, ricotta offers a smooth base that pairs perfectly with the juicy cherries.
Freshly ground salt and pepper: These seasonings enhance every layer of flavor without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
Fresh basil ribbons: Torn into ribbons, basil adds an aromatic, herbal finish that elevates the dish to something spectacular.

How to Make Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your pitted and halved cherries with olive oil, maple syrup, and lemon zest to coat them evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet so they roast to perfection—a lovely balance of juicy and slightly caramelized after 25 to 30 minutes. This roasting step is what truly transforms the cherries into the star component of our Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Ricotta

While the cherries roast, combine the whole milk ricotta with freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. This mixture is the creamy, zesty counterpart to the roasted fruit, adding a wonderful smoothness to the crostini. Set it aside so the flavors meld gently.

Step 3: Grill the Baguette Slices

Heat your grill to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or medium-high heat if you’re using a gas grill. Grill each baguette slice for around two minutes per side, watching carefully as they toast to a beautiful golden brown. The goal is to get that perfect crunch and faint smoky flavor, which forms the crispy foundation for our toppings. If you don’t have a grill, baking the slices at 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes works just as well.

Step 4: Assemble Your Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe

Once your crostini have cooled enough to handle, spread a generous dollop of your lemon ricotta mixture on each piece. Top that with a spoonful of those luscious roasted cherries and their syrupy juices. Finally, scatter fresh basil ribbons and a touch more lemon zest over the top for a gorgeous finish. Serve these delicious bites immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, tangy, sweet, and herbaceous notes at their best.

How to Serve Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe

The image shows four slices of toasted bread placed in a vertical row on a white marbled surface. Each bread slice has a golden brown crispy crust with a light, airy, and soft center that has visible holes and small cracks. The surface of each slice is sprinkled evenly with coarse salt and black pepper, adding texture and a slight contrast in color. The slices vary slightly in size and shape but are all roughly oval with a rough crust edge. The lighting highlights the crunchy texture and small crumbs scattered around the bread slices photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a final touch of fresh basil ribbons really brings this Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe to life. You might also consider a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, or even tiny dots of balsamic glaze to complement the sweetness of the cherries. These subtle garnishes elevate the dish, making each bite exciting and fresh.

Side Dishes

This crostini pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides, such as a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling rosé would also harmonize wonderfully with the ricotta and cherry flavors. For a heartier offering, serve alongside grilled chicken or a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto and mild cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make all the difference. Arrange your grilled crostini artfully on a rustic wooden board or a sleek platter. Garnish with extra basil leaves around the edges and even scatter a few raw cherries for pops of color. For a party, you might thread the crostini onto skewers for easy, elegant serving. Whichever way you choose, this Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe looks as stunning as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—and trust me, that’s a good problem to have—store the crostini components separately. Keep the roasted cherries and lemon ricotta in airtight containers in the fridge, and store the grilled baguette slices in a paper bag to maintain some crunch. Assemble fresh just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While the crostini are best fresh, you can freeze the roasted cherries in a sealed container for up to two months. Ricotta doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, so plan to make that fresh. When ready to use frozen cherries, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently before topping freshly grilled baguette slices.

Reheating

Reheat the roasted cherries gently in a small saucepan over low heat to retain their juices without cooking them further. Warm crostini briefly in a hot oven for a minute or two if needed but avoid over-toasting. Then reassemble your crostini immediately with fresh ricotta and basil to keep their vibrant, fresh flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cherries work well if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before roasting to avoid sogginess in your crostini.

How do I prevent the crostini from becoming soggy?

To keep your crostini crisp, grill or toast the bread slices only moments before serving and avoid assembling them too far in advance. Also, spreading the ricotta first helps create a moisture barrier.

Is there a substitute for ricotta if I’m lactose intolerant?

You might try a dairy-free cream cheese or a nut-based cheese alternative with a similar creamy texture. Just add a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tartness of the ricotta in the recipe.

Can this recipe be made without a grill?

Definitely! You can bake the baguette slices in a 400-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp. Broiling briefly is another great option if you keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

What occasions are best for serving this Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe?

This recipe shines at casual gatherings, elegant dinner parties, summer brunches, or even as a special snack anytime you want to indulge in a fresh, flavorful treat that feels a little fancy but is super simple to make.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly grilled crostini topped with sweet, juicy roasted cherries, creamy lemon ricotta, and fragrant basil ribbons. This Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in harmony. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes for entertaining or simply treating yourself.