Description
A delightful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring sweet, caramelized roasted grapes atop creamy ricotta cheese spread on crispy toasted bread. Perfect for brunch, snacks, or a light appetizer with fresh herbs adding a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Roasted Grapes
- 1 cup grapes (red or green, halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
For the Ricotta Toasts
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole grain, or baguette)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Roast the Grapes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved grapes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Oven Roasting: Roast the grapes in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized, keeping an eye to prevent burning.
- Toast the Bread: While the grapes roast, toast the slices of bread until golden and crispy using a toaster, oven, or grill pan for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Ricotta Spread: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Toasts: Spread a generous layer of ricotta mixture on each toasted bread slice, then top with the roasted grapes and their juices.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme or basil if desired for added flavor and color. Serve immediately as a tasty appetizer, snack, or brunch item.
Notes
- You can use either red or green grapes depending on your preference.
- Add honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the grapes.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh, aromatic garnish.
- Toast bread to your preferred level of crunchiness for best texture contrast.
