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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Fire up the outdoor grill to a medium-high temperature, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface for consistent grilling.
- 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.
- Transform the sourdough loaf into 12 substantial slices by first halving the bread and then cutting each section into 6 thick, uniform pieces.
- Delicately brush each bread slice with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring complete coverage to promote optimal grilling and flavor enhancement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generously spread the prepared herbed ricotta mixture onto each grilled bread slice, creating a luscious and creamy topping.
- 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