Quick & Tasty Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas Recipe

Herbed ricotta bruschettas offer a delightful culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant bite-sized sensation.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across the palate with creamy, herbaceous notes that elevate traditional appetizer expectations.

Soft cheese blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs, creating a harmonious texture that speaks to sophisticated yet approachable cuisine.

Each carefully crafted bruschetta promises a burst of freshness and rich, tantalizing complexity.

The combination balances crisp bread with smooth, fragrant cheese in a way that feels both classic and innovative.

Light yet satisfying, these bruschettas represent a perfect starter for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible culinary creation:

Why Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas Are a Bite of Heaven

• Burst with Herbal Freshness: The combination of scallions, dill, and chives creates an explosion of garden-fresh flavors that dance across your taste buds, making each bite a vibrant herb-infused experience.
• Grill-Kissed Texture Magic: Toasting sourdough bread on the grill transforms ordinary slices into crispy, golden-edged delights with a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy herbed ricotta.
• Quick Elegant Entertainer: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality appetizers in just 15 minutes, allowing you to impress guests with minimal effort while looking like a culinary pro without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or as a sophisticated starter that adapts effortlessly to different occasions and satisfies both casual and refined palates.

What You Need for Ina’s Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas

• Sourdough Bread: Sturdy base with great texture for grilling, choose a fresh loaf with good crust.
• Garlic Clove: Adds robust flavor when rubbed on grilled bread, fresh and firm garlic works best.

• Ricotta, Scallions, Dill, Chives: Creamy base with fresh herb combination, use full-fat ricotta for richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps bread grill evenly and adds subtle richness, use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Vinaigrette (for Side Salad): Provides light, tangy complement to rich bruschetta, can be store-bought or homemade.

How to Toast and Top Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas

Step 1: Set Up Sizzling Grill

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill at medium-high heat for perfect toasting.

Step 2: Create Creamy Herb Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Scallions
• Fresh dill
• Chives
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Slice Rustic Sourdough

Cut sourdough bread into thick, hearty slices. Aim for 12 substantial pieces that will hold generous toppings.

Step 4: Brush and Char Bread

Coat each bread slice with olive oil. Grill both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 5: Infuse with Garlic Essence

After grilling, rub warm bread slices with fresh garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper for extra flavor.

Step 6: Layer with Herbed Goodness

Spread a generous layer of herbed ricotta mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Ensure full coverage for maximum taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate two bruschettas per person.

Tips for a Crispy Base and Creamy Herb Spread

• Select Premium Ricotta: Opt for high-quality, creamy ricotta from local dairies or specialty stores to elevate the bruschettas' overall taste and texture.
• Herbs at Peak Freshness: Chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their vibrant flavors and aromatic oils, ensuring a bright, zesty profile in every bite.
• Master Bread Grilling Technique: Toast bread on medium-high heat to achieve a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta.
• Experiment with Herb Combinations: Mix different fresh herbs like dill, chives, and scallions to create unique flavor layers that make your bruschettas stand out.
• Season Strategically: Layer salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to balance the ricotta's richness with the herbs' delicate notes.

How to Store Bruschettas Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate: Place bruschettas in an airtight glass container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for maximum 24 hours to maintain optimal texture and flavor intensity. Remove ricotta mixture from bread before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap individual bruschettas in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Freeze herbed ricotta separately in sealed containers for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reassembling.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare herbed ricotta mixture 2 days prior to serving, storing in tightly sealed container. Chop fresh herbs just before assembling to preserve vibrant color and robust flavor. Toast bread slices right before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.

New Flavors to Try on Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas

• Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Top the herbed ricotta with roasted red peppers, sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired bruschetta.
• Prosciutto Elegance: Layer thin slices of prosciutto over the herbed ricotta for a luxurious and salty protein addition that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.
• Honey Drizzle Sensation: Finish the bruschettas with a light drizzle of local honey and toasted pine nuts, creating a sweet and nutty contrast to the herbal ricotta spread.
• Tomato Caprese Style: Add fresh cherry tomato halves and a few torn basil leaves on top of the herbed ricotta, then finish with a splash of aged balsamic glaze for a classic Italian touch.

Say Goodbye With One More Crisp Ricotta Bite

Herbed ricotta bruschettas embody summer’s culinary elegance with Ina Garten’s signature style.

Mediterranean flavors dance across grilled sourdough, creating an irresistible appetizer that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Fresh herbs intertwine within creamy ricotta, delivering complex layers of taste and texture.

Scallions, dill, and chives provide vibrant green notes against golden-crisp bread surfaces.

Garlic’s subtle warmth elevates each bite, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable experience.

Grill masters and casual cooks alike can masterfully craft these bruschettas – so snap that perfect shot, share this recipe’s deliciousness across social platforms, and inspire fellow epicurean adventurers with your newfound culinary prowess.

Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s herbed ricotta bruschettas blend creamy Italian cheese with crisp toasted bread and aromatic herbs. Fresh ingredients create a simple yet elegant appetizer that delights guests with rich Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor from first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 round sourdough bread
• 2 cups (473 ml) ricotta, store-bought or homemade

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 whole garlic clove, cut in half
• Good olive oil
• Green Salad Vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Fire up the outdoor grill to a medium-high temperature, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface for consistent grilling.
2. Create the aromatic herbed ricotta by combining ricotta cheese, finely chopped scallions, fresh dill, chives, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend the ingredients until well incorporated, then set the mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
3. Transform the sourdough loaf into 12 substantial slices by first halving the bread and then cutting each section into 6 thick, uniform pieces.
4. Delicately brush each bread slice with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring complete coverage to promote optimal grilling and flavor enhancement.
5. Position the oiled bread slices onto the hot grill, cooking for approximately 1½ to 2 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops and crispy edges emerge.
6. Infuse additional flavor by gently rubbing a fresh garlic clove across the surface of each grilled bread slice, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Generously spread the prepared herbed ricotta mixture onto each grilled bread slice, creating a luscious and creamy topping.
8. Plate the bruschetta by serving two slices per person, accompanied by a light, refreshing green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Notes

• Elevate with Homemade Ricotta: Crafting your own ricotta transforms this simple recipe into a gourmet experience, delivering unmatched freshness and creamy texture that store-bought versions can’t match.
• Bread Grilling Masterclass: Achieve the perfect golden-brown surface with a soft interior by carefully monitoring heat and timing during grilling, creating a delectable foundation for your appetizer.
• Herb Symphony: Chop fresh dill, chives, and scallions moments before mixing to unleash vibrant, aromatic flavors that dance across the palate with each delightful bite.
• Secret Garlic Technique: Gently rub a halved garlic clove across warm grilled bread, infusing subtle, sophisticated notes that complement the creamy ricotta without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
• Seasoning Sensibility: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, ensuring the ricotta mixture reaches a perfectly balanced flavor profile that highlights each ingredient’s natural essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving ( 91g)
• Calories: 167 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 249mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 13mg