Ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and super creamy ricotta cheese are spooned onto crisp toasted bread for an appetizer that is simple, fresh, and easy-to-make. Once you learn how to make ricotta bruschetta, you’ll want to enjoy it all summer long. 

When tomato season arrives, making bruschetta is a must. What better way to take advantage of all that fresh, brightly colored summer produce? 

Making bruschetta couldn’t be easier, in fact, it’s one of the easiest appetizers you can make. All you need to do is toast a few slices of bread, spoon on a little creamy ricotta, and top with the fragrant tomato, basil, and garlic mixture. 

A plate of bruschetta will disappear just as soon as you set it down in front of your guests. This crowd-favorite is the answer to all of your summer entertaining needs.

What is bruschetta?

Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer that is made by toasting or grilling bread, and then topping it with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, herbs, cheese, and sometimes meats like prosciutto. The name ‘bruschetta’ comes from the Italian word for ‘toast’, which is ‘bruscare’. This versatile appetizer uses some of Italy’s most popular ingredients to create a timeless dish that can be enjoyed all year long. 

How to Make It

1. Toast the bread. Place the sliced bread on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake 5 to 10 minutes; the top will be crisp and golden.
2. Make the topping. Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. 
3. Assemble. Spoon ricotta onto the bread, followed by the tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Ingredients

• French Bread – Soft and chewy French bread provides a great canvas for the bruschetta topping. This thick bread absorbs all of the juice from the tomatoes so every bite is full of flavor. 
• Olive Oil – A drizzle of olive oil helps the bread crisp up in the oven. Extra virgin or regular olive oil will work.
• Diced Tomatoes – Roma is a popular tomato to use with bruschetta, but any ripe, in-season tomato can be used. 
• Garlic – Wonderfully aromatic garlic provides an aromatic punch, and is a nice contrast with the tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese.
• Fresh Basil Leaves – There’s no substitute for the vibrant flavor of fresh basil leaves. Skip the dried basil, and always use fresh leaves. 
• Balsamic Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar has a deep rustic flavor that’s a little sour and a little sweet. Save your aged balsamic for drizzling over salads, and use a standard variety to mix in with the tomatoes.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper – Basic pantry staples to enhance the fresh flavors in the bruschetta topping. 
• Whole Milk Ricotta – When you use whole milk ricotta, each bite of toasted bread has the most amazing creamy texture. Fat-free ricotta has no milk fat, and will be less flavorful than the whole milk varieties.  

Make Ahead

You can save some prep time in the kitchen by cutting the tomatoes and mincing the garlic the day before you need them. Store them together in an airtight container for a robust garlic taste, or separately for a more mild garlicky taste. 

How to Store

While bruschetta is best enjoyed the day it’s made, you can store any leftover tomato mixture for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Serve the leftovers alongside grilled chicken, enjoy with crackers, pita, or over a simple salad.

Variations

• Use different herbs – Try chopped chives, rosemary, or oregano with the tomato ricotta bruschetta. 
• Try a new bread – Italian bread, herb-infused loaves, ciabatta, and sourdough are great alternatives to toasted French bread.
• Add more cheese – Sprinkle the bruschetta with grated parmesan cheese for more cheesy flavor.

FAQs

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