Description
These Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta, and Basil offer a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors perfect for an elegant appetizer or a light snack. Fresh cherries are roasted to intensify their natural sweetness, paired with creamy lemon-infused ricotta, all served atop crisp grilled baguette slices and garnished with fragrant basil ribbons.
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices
For the Roasted Cherries:
- 4 cups fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Ricotta:
- 8 ounces whole milk ricotta
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
To Garnish:
- Fresh basil ribbons
- Extra lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the cherries.
- Roast Cherries: Place the pitted and halved cherries onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, maple syrup, and lemon zest. Toss everything together gently to coat the cherries evenly, then spread them out in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cherries become juicy and slightly softened.
- Prepare Lemon Ricotta: In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill Crostini: While the cherries roast, preheat your grill to 400°F or medium-high heat. Place the baguette slices on the grill and cook each side for about 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp. Carefully watch to prevent burning. Alternatively, you may bake the crostini in a 400°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until golden.
- Assemble Crostini: When the crostini are cool enough to handle, spread a generous dollop of lemon ricotta on each slice. Top with a spoonful of the roasted cherries and some of their juice. Garnish each crostini with fresh basil ribbons and a little extra lemon zest for brightness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the crostini right away to enjoy the contrast of the warm, juicy cherries and the crisp toasted bread with creamy ricotta.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen ones if fresh are not available, but adjust roasting time as frozen cherries may release more liquid.
- If you don’t have a grill, baking the crostini in the oven is a perfect alternative.
- Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture, but part-skim can be used for a lighter option.
- These crostini are best served immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the bread and freshness of the toppings.
- For a slightly sweeter variation, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the final assembled crostini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
