## Bruschetta with Ricotta Lemon Spread: A Delightful Appetizer ##
Bruschetta, a classic Italian appetizer, is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines toasted bread with fresh toppings. In this recipe, we'll elevate the traditional bruschetta by adding a creamy and tangy ricotta lemon spread. The spread, made with ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and herbs, creates a delightful balance of flavors that complements the crispy bread perfectly. We'll also include some variations to the recipe, such as adding grilled vegetables or cured meats, to create a variety of bruschetta options that will impress your guests at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and versatile appetizer.
HERBED RICOTTA BRUSCHETTAS
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 13m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat.
- Combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside. Cut the bread in half and cut each half into 6 thick slices to make 12 slices total.
- When the grill is hot, brush the bread with olive oil and grill on each side for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the grill and rub each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread with the herbed ricotta. Serve 2 warm slices per person with the green salad on the side.
- Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
- Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
- Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
- Place the salad greens in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour enough dressing on the salad to moisten. Toss and serve.
RICOTTA WITH LEMON, BASIL, AND HONEY BRUSCHETTA
A delicate honey -- like acacia or fireweed -- won't overpower the basil or ricotta, but even an everyday honey varietal such as wildflower or clover help give this bruschetta its sweetness.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers Finger Food Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Mix fresh ricotta with lemon zest, and spread onto toasts (do not rub with garlic or drizzle with oil in this variation). Add a few basil leaves, and drizzle with delicate honey.
BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA-LEMON SPREAD
This quick appetizer comes together in minutes, and the spread will keep in the refrigerator up to a week.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers Finger Food Recipes
Yield Makes about 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil, grill until toasted. Rub slices with raw garlic clove.
- Stir together ricotta, zest, olive oil, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Spread can be refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.
BLUEBERRY LEMON RICOTTA BRUSCHETTA
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 16m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- For the blueberries: Macerate the blueberries by mixing them together with the sugar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside while you make the ricotta mix and the bruschetta.
- For the lemon ricotta: Add the ricotta, heavy cream, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Mix until the ricotta is smooth and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
- For the crostini: Heat a griddle (or large cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Spread each side of the sliced bread with some butter. Toast the bread on both sides until crisp and golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Allow the bread to cool slightly.
- For serving: To assemble, smear a heaping tablespoon of the lemon-ricotta mixture onto a piece of toasted bread. Top with a tablespoon of the macerated blueberries and garnish with a basil leaf. Transfer the bruschetta to a platter and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Zest the lemon over the platter before serving.
STRAWBERRY RICOTTA BRUSCHETTA
Here's an interesting spin on bruschetta. The creamy ricotta cheese spread is an ideal complement to the sweet, minty strawberry topping. -Laura Stricklin, Jackson, Mississippi
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 25m
Yield 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Brush bread slices with butter; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the strawberries, mint and honey; set aside. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, jam and lemon zest. Spread ricotta mixture over toast; top with strawberry mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 88mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges
Tips:
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes are a good choice because they have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste.
- Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crispy. This will help them to hold up to the toppings.
- Make the ricotta lemon spread ahead of time so that the flavors can meld. It can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- If you don't have time to make the ricotta lemon spread, you can substitute a good-quality store-bought pesto.
- Top the bruschetta with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Bruschetta with ricotta lemon spread is a simple but delicious appetizer or snack. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give this bruschetta recipe a try!
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