Roasted Cherry and Ricotta Crostini is one of those dishes that quietly surprises people. At first glance, it looks elegant and maybe even a little restaurant-y, but once you dig in, it feels approachable, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Warm roasted cherries burst with sweetness and just enough acidity, creamy ricotta adds richness, and crisp crostini bring that essential crunch. This is the kind of dish that fits seamlessly into supper ideas when you want something light, works as an appetizer for guests, or even sneaks its way onto a snack board when dinner is still an hour away. It also happens to bridge the gap between savory cooking recipes and cherry desserts with fresh cherries, which makes it especially fun to serve.
What makes this crostini special is the roasting step. Roasting cherries deepens their flavor in a way that raw cherries simply can’t match. The sugars caramelize, the juices thicken, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Pair that with whipped ricotta and crusty bread, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent but still balanced. It’s not a cherry cobbler with fresh cherries, but it taps into that same comforting, jammy flavor profile—just in a more savory direction.
Roasted Cherry and Ricotta Crostini
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Baking sheet A rimmed baking sheet works best to catch cherry juices as they roast.
Parchment paper Optional, but it makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Mixing bowls One medium bowl for the cherries and one for the ricotta.
Whisk or hand mixer Whisking by hand works, but a hand mixer creates an extra-smooth ricotta spread.
Sharp knife and cutting board For slicing bread and prepping herbs.
Oven or toaster oven A toaster oven works well for smaller batches.
Grill pan or broiler (optional) Can be used instead of the oven for toasting bread.
For the roasted cherries
- Fresh cherries 2 cups, pitted – Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work beautifully, but sour cherry recipes fans can substitute sour cherries for a more tangy result.
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon – Helps the cherries roast evenly and adds subtle richness.
- Honey or maple syrup 1½ tablespoons – Enhances natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and balances the sweetness.
- Kosher salt ¼ teaspoon – Essential for contrast and flavor clarity.
- Fresh thyme leaves ½ teaspoon – Optional, but highly recommended for an herbal note that keeps things savory.
For the ricotta spread
- Whole milk ricotta 1½ cups – Creamy, rich ricotta is key. Avoid grainy or low-fat versions if possible.
- Lemon zest ½ teaspoon – Brightens the ricotta and complements the cherries.
- Salt ¼ teaspoon – Just enough to season without making it salty.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste – Adds subtle warmth.
For the crostini
- Baguette or rustic loaf 1 large – Slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons – For brushing the bread.
Optional garlic clove (1, halved) – For rubbing on warm toast for extra flavor.
Optional finishing touches
- Fresh basil or thyme leaves – For garnish.
- Crushed pistachios or almonds – Add crunch and contrast.
- Hot honey – For a sweet-spicy finish.
Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if using. This temperature is ideal for roasting fruit without burning the natural sugars.
Season the cherries
Place the pitted cherries in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and thyme. Make sure the cherries are evenly coated; this ensures consistent roasting and flavor.
Roast the cherries
Spread the cherries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 18–22 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The cherries should look blistered, glossy, and slightly collapsed, with thickened juices pooling around them. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the ricotta
While the cherries roast, add ricotta, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and airy. For extra creaminess, use a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Toast the bread
Brush bread slices lightly with olive oil on both sides. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. While still warm, rub with the cut side of a garlic clove if using.
Assemble the crostini
Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta onto each crostini. Spoon roasted cherries on top, including some of their juices. Finish with herbs, nuts, or a drizzle of hot honey if desired.
Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. These crostini are best enjoyed shortly after assembly, when the bread is still crisp.
Pairings
Roasted Cherry and Ricotta Crostini plays well with a wide range of dishes and drinks, which makes it incredibly flexible for entertaining.
Wine and beverages
- Sparkling wine or prosecco – The bubbles cut through the richness of the ricotta.
- Dry rosé – Enhances the fruitiness of the cherries without overwhelming them.
- Iced herbal tea – A great non-alcoholic option that keeps things light.
Meal pairings
- Grilled chicken or fish – Serve crostini alongside simply cooked proteins for a balanced supper.
- Vegetable side dishes – Think roasted asparagus, shaved fennel salad, or blistered green beans.
- Cheese boards – These crostini fit beautifully next to soft cheeses and cured meats.
Interestingly, this dish can also sit comfortably next to unexpected cuisines. While it’s not part of Mexican food recipes, the sweet-savory balance works surprisingly well alongside dishes with smoky or mildly spicy elements, creating a nice contrast on the table.
FAQs
1. What type of cherries work best for this recipe?
Sweet cherries are the most common choice, but sour cherries can be used if you prefer more acidity. If using sour cherries, add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance the flavor.
2. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries recipes can work here. Thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting. They may release more liquid, but the flavor will still be excellent.
3. Is ricotta the only cheese that works?
Ricotta is ideal for its mild, creamy texture, but mascarpone or whipped goat cheese can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Can this be made ahead of time?
You can roast the cherries and prepare the ricotta up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to keep the crostini crisp.
5. Are there ways to make this a healthier option?
Yes. Using part-skim ricotta, whole-grain bread, and reducing the added sweetener can turn this into one of those healthy cherry recipes that still feels indulgent.
