Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

Isabella

Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta is a vibrant, elegant appetizer that perfectly balances sweet strawberries, creamy ricotta, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze over crisp golden baguette slices. This refreshing twist on classic bruschetta delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for entertaining or enjoying a light yet indulgent bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Brunch

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Crispy Bread Base
1 French baguette sliced into 1-inch thick rounds (slightly stale bread works beautifully for better texture)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil for brushing and enhancing crispness
For the Creamy Ricotta Spread
2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese room temperature for easier spreading
2 teaspoons kosher salt adjust to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil for richness and smooth texture
For the Strawberry Topping
2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and chopped into small pieces
2 tablespoons fresh basil thinly sliced into chiffonade
For Finishing
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (store-bought or homemade reduction)
Using whole-milk ricotta ensures a creamy luxurious texture. Fresh, ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the acidity of balsamic glaze.

Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove ricotta from the refrigerator to soften slightly while preparing the bread.
Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
In a separate bowl, gently toss chopped strawberries with sliced basil. Let sit for 5 minutes to release natural juices.
Spread a generous layer of ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the strawberry-basil mixture.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use ripe, sweet strawberries and high-quality ricotta. Strain ricotta if it appears watery for a thicker spread. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. Substitute goat cheese for a tangier variation, or use gluten-free baguette slices to make this recipe gluten-free. Avoid assembling too far in advance to prevent soggy bread.