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This Cherry Balsamic Bruschetta is bright, creamy, slightly sweet, and has just enough crunch. So, whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party or just taking your snack game to the next level, this bruschetta is guaranteed to hit the spot! Best part- it looks like a work of art but is so easy to pull off.
This bruschetta layers golden toasted baguette slices with a lemony whipped ricotta, juicy balsamic-coated cherries, chopped pistachios, fresh mint, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, tangy, and fresh. The cherries soften in the balsamic glaze, giving the whole dish a jammy vibe that plays beautifully against the richness of the ricotta. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast—so maybe make a double batch.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Cherry Balsamic Bruschetta
t’s simple enough for a weeknight and stunning enough for a dinner party. The flavor combo is unexpected but totally addictive (hi, cherries and ricotta!). It’s easily prepped ahead and assembled right before serving. Oh—and it’ll make you look like a gourmet genius with minimal effort.
🍲 Ingredients
🥖 French baguette is the crisp, toasty base—perfect for soaking up all that flavor without getting soggy.
🫒Olive oil is brushed on the bread before toasting to give it that golden crunch.
Balsamic glaze coats the cherries and brings a sweet-tangy balance that makes the whole dish pop.
🍒 Fresh cherries are the star—juicy, jammy, and slightly tart, they pair beautifully with creamy cheese.
Whole-milk ricotta is whipped until smooth and creamy, giving the bruschetta a luxurious base layer.
🍋Lemon juice adds brightness to the ricotta and helps cut through the richness.
🍯Honey sweetens the cheese mixture and enhances the natural flavor of the cherries.
🧂Salt sharpens every flavor and brings balance.
Chopped pistachios add crunch, color, and a buttery finish.
🌿Fresh mint adds a refreshing, herby pop.
🍋Lemon zest finishes everything with a burst of citrus fragrance.
👩🍳 How to Make Cherry Balsamic Bruschetta
Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F.Place the baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for 10–15 minutes until golden.
Whip the ricotta: Blend the ricotta with lemon juice, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag and chill.
Prepare the 🍒: In a bowl, toss the halved cherries with balsamic reduction. Let them sit for 10 minutes. The cherry juice will help thin the reduction.
Assemble the bruschetta: Snip the tip off your piping bag and pipe the whipped ricotta onto each toast.Top with the balsamic cherries, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh mint, and lemon zest. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Strain the ricotta before blending—it makes the whipped cheese less watery.
Don’t over-toast the bread—it should be golden but not rock hard. You paid a fortune for those teeth😁
Cherry deseeding hack—Use a metal straw or chopstick to pit them easily. Or pick up this nifty cherry pitter!
Variations
🍒Swap cherries for blackberries, figs, or even grilled peaches depending on the season.
Swap the feta for cream cheese or feta instead for a tangy twist.
🌶️Spice things up! Add a drizzle of hot honey on top for a sweet-spicy finish.
Substitutions
No baguette? Try ciabatta, sourdough, or even crackers for a smaller bite.
No pistachios? Use walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch.
No ricotta? Swap it for cream cheese, goat cheese, or feta!
Don’t have balsamic glaze? Reduce regular balsamic vinegar on the stove until syrupy.
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👝 How to Store Leftovers
The components can be stored separately for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the balsamic cherries separately—just know they’ll get a little more jammy (in a good way). The toasts are best eaten fresh, but you can re-toast if needed. Assemble everything just before serving for the best texture.
🤔 Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the ricotta mixture and cherry topping a day ahead. Toast the bread a few hours in advance. Assemble right before serving.
Can I serve this warm?
The toasts should be warm or room temperature, but the cherries and ricotta are best served cool for contrast and freshness.
Do I have to pipe the ricotta?
Not at all! A spoon works just fine—but piping adds that extra little wow factor (and it’s oddly satisfying).
Balsamic Cherry Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 12 slices French baguette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ balsamic reduction
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and cut in ½
- 16 ounces full-fat ricotta, strained of excess moisture
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place the bread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the sliced bread with olive oil and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- To a blender, add ricotta, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Blend until creamy and smooth. Transfer whipped ricotta to a piping bag or a zip lock bag and store in the refrigerator.
- To a bowl, add the balsamic glaze and the cherries, then toss to coat.
- If the balsamic reduction appears too thick, do not stress. The cherries will release juices that will thin the balsamic reduction.
- Trim the tip of the piping bag (or zip lock) and pipe onto the toast. Top with balsamic cherries, chopped pistachios, fresh mint, and lemon zest.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
