Peach and Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant while still being incredibly approachable. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you have ripe, juicy peaches on the counter and you’re wondering what to do with fresh peaches beyond the usual desserts. Creamy ricotta, lightly toasted bread, sweet peaches, and a tangy balsamic drizzle come together in a way that’s balanced, bright, and undeniably yummy food. Whether you’re putting together lunch recipes for a warm afternoon, looking for easy dinner ideas with a seasonal twist, or just expanding your collection of cooking recipes that feel special without being fussy, this crostini fits right in.

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Peach and Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

Sharp knife For slicing bread and peaches cleanly.
Cutting board Preferably one with a groove to catch peach juices.
Baking sheet For toasting the bread in the oven.
Pastry Brush For brushing olive oil onto the bread (a spoon works as an alternative).
Skillet or Grill Pan Used to cook the peaches lightly.
Small saucepan For reducing the balsamic vinegar into a drizzle.
Mixing bowl For seasoning the ricotta.
Spoon or offset spatula For spreading ricotta evenly.

Ingredients

For the Crostini Base

Baguette or rustic Italian bread – Choose a loaf with a crisp crust and airy interior. Sourdough works well too but a classic baguette gives you evenly sized slices perfect for appetizers or meal ideas.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Used to brush the bread before toasting. A fruity mild olive oil works best so it doesn’t overpower the peaches.
Kosher salt – Just a light sprinkle to enhance flavor.

For the Ricotta Layer

Whole-milk ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich ricotta is essential. Avoid part-skim if possible; whole-milk ricotta spreads better and tastes fuller.
Lemon zest – Adds brightness and keeps the ricotta from feeling too heavy.
Fresh lemon juice – Optional but a small amount balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season gently; the ricotta should taste clean and lightly savory.

For the Peach Topping

Fresh peaches – Ripe but still firm. Yellow peaches are classic but white peaches work beautifully too.
Honey or maple syrup – Used sparingly to enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Butter or olive oil – For lightly sautéing or grilling the peaches.
Fresh thyme or basil – Optional but herbs add an aromatic layer that elevates the dish.

For the Balsamic Drizzle

Balsamic vinegar – Use a good-quality balsamic. If you already have balsamic glaze you can use it, but reducing your own gives better control over sweetness.
Honey or brown sugar – Just a touch to round out the acidity.

Optional Finishing Touches

Flaky sea salt – A light sprinkle just before serving.
Cracked black pepper
Chopped pistachios or walnuts – For crunch.
Prosciutto – Optional if you want to make it heartier and more dinner-worthy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Drizzle

Start with the balsamic drizzle so it has time to cool and thicken. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until it reduces by about half and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in honey or brown sugar, then remove from heat and let it cool. It will thicken more as it cools.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Bake until golden and crisp, flipping once halfway through. This usually takes about 10 minutes total.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon zest, a small squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. The ricotta should be savory with a hint of brightness, not overly salty.

Step 4: Cook the Peaches

Slice the peaches into wedges. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Place the peaches cut-side down and cook until lightly caramelized, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drizzle with a small amount of honey if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Crostini

Spread a generous layer of ricotta onto each toasted bread slice. Top with a few peach slices, arranging them neatly so each bite gets a bit of fruit.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the assembled crostini. Finish with fresh herbs, flaky sea salt, cracked pepper, and nuts if using. Serve immediately while the bread is crisp and the peaches are still slightly warm.

Pairings

Peach and Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle is versatile enough to fit into many different meal ideas.

Drinks

Sparkling wine or prosecco – The bubbles balance the creamy ricotta.
Dry rosé – Complements the sweetness of peaches.
Iced herbal tea – A non-alcoholic option that works well for lunch recipes.

Side Dishes

Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
Light soups such as tomato or chilled cucumber soup.

How to Serve It

As an appetizer for summer gatherings.
As part of a spread alongside mexican food recipes like grilled corn or fresh salsa.
As a light main dish paired with a hearty salad for peach recipes dinner nights.

FAQs

1. What type of peaches work best for this recipe?

Fresh, ripe peaches that are slightly firm are ideal. Overripe peaches can become mushy when cooked.

2. Can I use ricotta alternatives?

Yes. Whipped cottage cheese or mascarpone can work, but ricotta provides the best balance of creaminess and lightness.

3. Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare all components in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.

4. Is this considered a dessert or savory dish?

It sits right in between, making it great for people who love peach dessert recipes but want something less sweet.

5. Can I make this more filling for dinner?

Adding prosciutto or serving it with protein makes it suitable for easy dinner ideas and peach desserts with fresh peaches that feel more substantial.

Peach and Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle: A Sweet-Savory Bite That Feels Like Summer on Toast