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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Board with Whipped Ricotta

slow-roasted cherry tomato bruschetta board - featured image

A simple and elegant appetizer featuring slow-roasted cherry tomatoes paired with airy whipped ricotta, served on toasted bread slices. Perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh thyme sprigs, about 1 tablespoon chopped
  • 1 cup (250g) whole-milk ricotta, chilled
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 fresh baguette or rustic loaf, sliced ½-inch thick and toasted
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, drizzle of honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
  2. Rinse and pat dry cherry tomatoes. Place in a medium bowl and add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes until shriveled and caramelized.
  4. While tomatoes roast, combine ricotta, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a chilled bowl. Whip with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Optionally add heavy cream or olive oil for extra creaminess.
  5. Slice bread into ½-inch slices and toast under broiler or in toaster until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Optionally rub toasted bread with a cut garlic clove.
  6. Spread whipped ricotta on toasted bread slices. Top with slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and sea salt flakes. Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts.
  7. Serve immediately, arranging bread and tomatoes on a board. Keep leftover tomatoes refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Keep oven temperature low to avoid burning garlic and drying tomatoes. Do not overcrowd tomatoes on baking sheet to prevent steaming. Chill ricotta and bowl before whipping for best texture. Toast bread just before serving to keep crisp. Leftover tomatoes can be stored up to 2 days refrigerated and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, bruschetta, whipped ricotta, appetizer, easy recipe, homemade, entertaining, vegetarian