Name: Easy Summer Peach and Ricotta Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-493285H35M44S
Total time: PT-493285H35M44S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 baguette or rustic bread (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into ½-inch thick pieces; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml); Pinch of flaky sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 large fresh peaches (about 300 g / 10.5 oz), ripe but firm; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (250 g / 8.8 oz); 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml), plus extra for drizzling; A handful of fresh basil or mint leaves (10-15 leaves)

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Introduction

This Easy Summer Peach and Ricotta Crostini is a fresh and vibrant appetizer perfect for warm weather gatherings. Combining ripe peaches, creamy ricotta, and fragrant herbs on toasted bread, it’s a simple yet elegant bite that everyone will love.

The image shows several pieces of thick, toasted golden bread topped with a thick layer of white creamy cheese. On top of the cheese, there are thin slices of yellow and red peach arranged neatly. Small green chopped nuts are sprinkled over the peaches, and a dark syrup is drizzled over the top, some dripping down the sides of the toast. The toast pieces are placed closely together on a wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large fresh peaches (about 300 g / 10.5 oz), ripe but firm
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (250 g / 8.8 oz)
1 baguette or rustic bread (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
A handful of fresh basil or mint leaves (10-15 leaves)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes until the edges are golden and the bread is crisp but not hard. Alternatively, you can toast the slices on a grill pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.
Step 2: While the bread is toasting, scoop the ricotta into a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Wash the peaches and slice them thinly, about ⅛ inch thick. If the slices are very juicy, pat them lightly with a paper towel to prevent the crostini from becoming soggy.
Step 4: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Layer 2–3 peach slices on top. Drizzle a little extra honey over the peaches if you like extra sweetness. Tear fresh basil or mint leaves and scatter them over the crostini. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp bread and fresh, summery flavors.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios on top before serving.
You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or whipped cream cheese for a richer spread.
If peaches are out of season, ripe nectarines or plums work well as alternatives.
For a savory twist, add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished crostini.

Storage

These crostini are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the bread. If needed, store the toasted bread slices separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the ricotta mixture and sliced peaches refrigerated in sealed containers for up to 1 day. Assemble just before serving. Reheating toasted bread briefly in the oven can help restore crunch.

How to Serve

The image shows toasted bread squares topped with a thick layer of white creamy cheese, fresh peach slices with red and orange tones, and crushed green pistachios sprinkled on top. A dark brown syrup is drizzled over the appetizer, dripping down the sides. The toasted bread has a golden-brown crunchy texture, and the ingredients create a colorful contrast with the white cheese. The dish is presented on a wooden board with a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ricotta mixture and slice the peaches a few hours in advance, storing them in the fridge separately. Toast the bread just before serving to keep it crisp.

What should I do if my peaches are overripe?

If peaches are too soft, slice them gently and use paper towels to absorb excess juice. Alternatively, lightly grilling the peach slices can deepen their flavor and reduce juiciness.