A bright, summery appetizer—each crisp crostini is topped with airy ricotta and vibrant peach-tomato salsa, evoking warm afternoons on the porch. I love how the sweet peaches and juicy tomatoes marry with creamy cheese and crisp bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I grew up watching my grandmother toss fresh peaches and tomatoes together on the back porch, and this bruschetta always brings that sunshine-filled nostalgia. It’s elegant yet effortless—I can pull it together in about half an hour with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for weekends, brunch, or an evening when I want something light but impressive.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 baguette, thinly sliced
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped
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3 ripe peaches, diced
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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Juice of ½ lemon
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1 handful fresh basil, thinly sliced
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 °F. I mix butter, half the garlic, and a pinch of salt, then spread it onto each baguette slice. I bake them for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
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I toss diced peaches, chopped tomatoes, remaining garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and let it sit so the flavors meld.
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In a food processor or with a whisk, I beat the ricotta until it’s light, creamy, and mousse-like—about 1–2 minutes.
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I spread each toast with a thick layer of ricotta, spoon the peach mixture on top, sprinkle basil, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I serve right away.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 10–12 crostini. Total time: 30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook). That makes it a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.
Variations
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Swap nectarines or plums for peaches for a similar sweet impact.
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For a dairy-free twist, I use almond ricotta.
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Add a drizzle of honey or infuse the ricotta with lemon zest or thyme before whipping.
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Add toasted nuts like pistachios or granola for extra crunch.
storage/reheating
I keep the whipped ricotta and peach topping in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The toasted bread keeps best at room temperature in a dry bag or loosely covered. For serving, I re-toast the bread quickly and assemble just before guests arrive so the bread stays crisp.
FAQs
How long can I prep ahead?
I can whip the ricotta and make the peach topping up to 2 days in advance. I always toast the bread and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.
Can I leave out tomatoes or basil?
Yes! Some versions use only peaches, ricotta, and honey or mint. I still get that summery flavor.
What bread works best?
A thinly sliced baguette is classic. I’ve also used sourdough, multigrain loaves, or gluten-free baguettes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian as written and perfect for a light plant-based snack.
Can I prep everything the day before a party?
Yes—just prep the components separately. Then I toast bread and assemble seconds before serving so the crostini stay crisp.
Conclusion
This Quick Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta embodies summer in every bite—sweet, tangy, creamy, and fresh. I love how easy it is to prepare and how stunning it looks on a platter. Whether I’m entertaining or wanting a simple, elegant snack, this recipe never disappoints.
Print
Quick Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and vibrant summer appetizer featuring crispy crostini topped with whipped ricotta and a sweet-savory peach and tomato salsa, finished with fresh basil and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped
- 3 ripe peaches, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 handful fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix butter, half the garlic, and a pinch of salt, then spread onto baguette slices. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Toss diced peaches, chopped tomatoes, remaining garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit for flavors to meld.
- Whip ricotta in a food processor or with a whisk until light and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Spread each toast with ricotta, top with peach mixture, sprinkle basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use almond ricotta for a dairy-free option.
- Swap in nectarines or plums as a peach alternative.
- Infuse ricotta with lemon zest or herbs for added flavor.
- Top with toasted nuts or granola for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg