Easy appetizers are nifty for any occasion! I must admit that Bruschetta ranks high on my list of quick and satisfying bites. You simply can’t beat classic Fresh Tomato Bruschetta as a starter for almost any Main Dish or as part of a lavish Appetizer buffet.

Don’t miss More Than 10 Great Bruschetta Recipes!

What is This Bruschetta Recipe Like?

• Difficulty: Super easy! The only cooking involved is toasting the bread, and whipping up the ricotta mixture takes just a few minutes!
• Taste: The bruschetta offers a light hint of lemon and mint that isn’t overwhelming. It’s a perfect summer snack! Feel free to adjust the lemon or mint according to your preferences.
• Serving: This recipe yields about ten slices of bruschetta, enough to serve five people as a starter. Using roughly half a baguette is ideal, but feel free to double the recipe to accommodate more guests. You can easily adjust the serving size in the recipe card at the end of this article.

Ingredients

• Baguette bread: Half of a regular-sized baguette works perfectly.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil for that delightful drizzle over the bread.
• Cheese: Creamy ricotta cheese is the star of this recipe.
• Garlic: A fresh garlic clove, finely minced, adds flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch of regular table salt.
• Lemon: both juice and zest enliven the ricotta topping.
• Mint: Fresh mint will elevate the flavor of your topping.

NOTE: The complete recipe and ingredient list can be found at the end of this article in the recipe card.

Instructions

1. Toast the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lay the baguette slices on a baking tray and drizzle olive oil over them. Bake for approximately 5 to 8 minutes until they turn lightly crisp. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the ricotta topping: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh mint together. Remember to stir well until fully combined.
3. Top the bread and serve: Spoon the ricotta mixture generously over the cooled baguette slices. If you fancy, sprinkle some extra lemon zest and mint on top before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

• Prep ahead: You can prepare the ricotta topping a day in advance. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Crisping the bread: Make sure your bread is really crisp; this will help prevent it from becoming soggy once you add the toppings.
• Garnish: Adding a few fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds a lovely touch.

Substitutions and Flavor Changes

• Baguette bread: If you don’t have baguette on hand, feel free to use any rustic bread. Just avoid prepackaged sandwich bread.
• Ricotta Cheese: While ricotta shines in this recipe, you may also try mascarpone, cottage cheese, or cream cheese.
• Fresh mint: If you find fresh mint a bit too potent, use your favorite herb, such as fresh basil.
• Use as a spread or dip: This ricotta topping doubles as a delightful dip or spread for a charcuterie board!

What To Serve With This Bruschetta

This Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta makes a delightful starter for nearly any Pasta feast or a splendid Portobello Mushroom and Spinach Risotto. Consider incorporating it into a larger appetizer spread alongside Italian Stuffed Mushrooms, Caprese Salad Sticks, and Oven Roasted Italian Green Peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions