Ina Garten’s Dreamy Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas Recipe
Bruschetta takes on a luxurious twist with Ina Garten herbed ricotta bruschettas that sing with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Creamy ricotta becomes the star of this elegant appetizer, blending herbs and seasonings into a delightful spread.
Each slice promises a tantalizing blend of crisp bread and silky cheese that awakens the palate.
The simple ingredients create a sophisticated starter perfect for summer gatherings or quiet evening snacks.
Herbs from the garden or market add brightness and complexity to this irresistible dish.
The recipe moves beyond ordinary appetizers, delivering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Serve these bruschettas and watch as your guests savor every delectable bite.
Perfect Pairings for Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas
Elevate Your Appetizer Experience: Transform these herbed ricotta bruschettas into a stunning starter that will impress guests at summer gatherings or intimate dinner parties.
Pair with Perfect Wines: Complement the creamy ricotta and herbal notes with a crisp sauvignon blanc or light pinot grigio to enhance the delicate flavors.
Create Beautiful Presentation: Arrange bruschettas on a rustic wooden board, garnish with fresh herb sprigs, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for an Instagram-worthy display that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Add Seasonal Toppings: Layer thin prosciutto slices, roasted cherry tomatoes, or quick-pickled vegetables on top of the herbed ricotta for extra texture and depth of flavor.
Store and Reheat Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas
Quick Preparation: Chop herbs and mix ricotta up to 24 hours before serving, storing covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development.
Advance Planning: Slice bread and prepare herbed ricotta mixture earlier in the day, keeping components separate until grilling time for maximum freshness.
Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover herbed ricotta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains sealed and chilled to maintain quality and prevent moisture absorption.
Bread Freshness Tip: Keep unused bread in a sealed paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze whole loaves for up to 1 month to extend shelf life, wrapping tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal
Servings: 6
Fresh Ingredients for Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas
For Herbed Ricotta Base:
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, perfect for creating a smooth, luxurious spread that carries herb flavors beautifully. Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best texture and taste.
Scallions: Adds a gentle, oniony zing that brightens the ricotta mixture. Look for crisp, bright green scallions with firm white bases.
Dill: Brings a delicate, feathery freshness that complements the creamy ricotta. Select vibrant green dill with no wilting or yellowing.
Chives: Provides a subtle, mild onion flavor and beautiful green specks. Pick chives that are bright green and firm to the touch.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the herbed ricotta.
For Bread and Grilling:
Sourdough Bread: Offers a tangy, robust base that stands up to grilling and holds the ricotta topping. Choose a sturdy, artisan-style sourdough with good structure.
Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior when grilling bread. Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
Garlic Clove: Adds a bold, aromatic punch when rubbed on grilled bread. Pick fresh, firm garlic with no sprouting.
For Serving:
Green Salad: Provides a fresh, crisp accompaniment to the rich bruschettas. Use mixed greens for variety and color.
Vinaigrette: Adds a bright, tangy element to balance the creamy ricotta. Prepare a simple homemade vinaigrette for the best flavor.
Tools for Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas Success
Charcoal or Gas Grill: Essential for creating perfectly toasted, crispy bread slices with a smoky flavor.
Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine ricotta and fresh herbs for the creamy spread.
Cutting Board: Use for slicing bread, mincing herbs, and preparing ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise cutting of bread and finely chopping herbs.
Basting Brush: Helps evenly coat bread slices with olive oil before grilling.
Garlic Clove: Used to rub and add extra flavor to grilled bread slices.
Serving Platter: Ideal for presenting the bruschettas beautifully.
How to Whip Up Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas
Grill Preparation Warm up the grill to create a perfect toasty base for the bruschetta.
Herb Mixture Blend fresh herbs into creamy ricotta for a zesty spread that'll make taste buds dance.
Bread Selection Choose a rustic sourdough loaf that promises a crispy, golden exterior when grilled.
Bread Transformation Carefully grill bread slices until they develop a beautiful golden crunch and smoky flavor.
Garlic Magic Rub warm grilled bread with a fresh garlic clove to infuse an extra layer of aromatic goodness.
Final Touch Generously smear the herbed ricotta across the grilled bread, creating a creamy canvas of flavor that'll make everyone at the table swoon.
Creative Add-ons for Ina Garten Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas
Brush olive oil evenly to prevent burning and ensure perfect golden-brown color on each slice.
Swap fresh herbs with dried alternatives like oregano, basil, or thyme for different flavor profiles when fresh herbs are unavailable.
Prepare herbed ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator to enhance herb infusion and save preparation time.
Let ricotta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing herbs to create smoother, more spreadable consistency that blends ingredients more effectively.
Transform bruschetta into bite-sized appetizers by using smaller bread slices or convert the recipe into a delightful party platter with various toppings like roasted tomatoes, prosciutto, or sliced olives.
Ina Garten’s herbed ricotta bruschettas blend Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp bread topped with creamy herbed ricotta creates a delightful appetizer perfect for elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 round sourdough bread
2 cups / 473 ml ricotta (store-bought or homemade)
3 tbsps minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
2 tbsps minced fresh dill
1 tbsp minced fresh chives
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 whole garlic clove, cut in half
Good olive oil
Green Salad Vinaigrette
Instructions
Grill Preparation: Heat outdoor grill to medium-high, ensuring uniform temperature across cooking surface for consistent grilling performance.
Herbed Ricotta Creation: Blend ricotta with scallions, dill, chives, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Incorporate ingredients thoroughly and let mixture rest to develop complex flavor profiles.
Bread Transformation: Slice sourdough loaf into 12 substantial, uniform pieces by halving the bread and cutting each section methodically.
Bread Conditioning: Generously coat each bread slice with extra virgin olive oil to enhance grilling potential and promote flavor development.
Grilling Process: Place oiled bread on hot grill, cooking 1½ to 2 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior with appetizing charred edges.
Flavor Enhancement: Rub grilled bread with fresh garlic clove, then season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to intensify taste dimensions.
Final Assembly: Lavishly spread herbed ricotta mixture across each grilled bread slice, creating a creamy, herb-infused topping that complements the crisp base.
Serving Presentation: Arrange two bruschetta slices per plate, accompanied by a light, zesty green salad dressed with a vibrant vinaigrette for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect bread texture, ensuring crispy edges without burning.
Herb Blend Timing: Mix ricotta with herbs at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
Bread Slice Technique: Cut sourdough evenly to guarantee uniform grilling and consistent toasting across all pieces.
Olive Oil Application: Brush bread generously but lightly to prevent soggy surfaces and promote optimal crispy grilling results.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.