Italian Ricotta Crostini with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes: A Flavorful Italian Appetizer
This delightful Italian Ricotta Crostini with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta with the bright, tangy flavors of fresh tomatoes, olives, and fragrant herbs. It’s a perfect appetizer to kick off any gathering, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner or a casual get-together, this crostini will surely be a hit!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ciabatta bread | 1 loaf, cut into smaller slices |
| Cherry tomatoes | 15, halved |
| Del Monte Black Olives | 25, sliced |
| Ricotta Cheese | 200 grams |
| Fresh basil leaves (or oregano) | 15 leaves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Fresh Thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. This ensures your crostini will toast perfectly.
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Prepare the Ciabatta: While the oven heats, slice your ciabatta bread into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a greased baking tray. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to coat the bread lightly.
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Toast the Bread: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Toast the bread slices for 7-8 minutes, or until they become golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the bread is toasting, crumble the ricotta cheese into a bowl. Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, basil (or oregano), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine, creating a smooth, herb-infused ricotta spread.
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Assemble the Crostini: Once the ciabatta slices are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on each slice, covering it evenly.
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Top with Olives and Tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives on top of the ricotta-covered bread. The juicy tomatoes and briny olives add the perfect balance of flavors.
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Optional Garnish: For an added touch, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the crostini and a small spoonful of Del Monte tomato ketchup on top, if desired. This optional step gives a tangy twist to the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crostini immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil or oregano if desired. These bite-sized treats make an ideal appetizer for any Italian-inspired meal. Pair them with a refreshing cocktail or a glass of white wine to elevate the experience.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
This Italian Ricotta Crostini makes an excellent starter or side dish when served with other Italian classics. For a complete meal, pair it with:
- Desi Style Masala Pasta: For a fusion twist, serve these crostini alongside a spicy, flavorful Desi-style pasta.
- Gulkand Panna Cotta: End your meal with this creamy, fragrant dessert that fuses Italian panna cotta with the sweet, floral notes of rose petal jam (Gulkand).
This recipe not only brings the heart of Italy to your table but also adds a unique touch of freshness with the cherry tomatoes and olives. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.
