Strawberry Crostini with Ricotta and Mint – Easy Summer Appetizer

Strawberry Crostini Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Appetizer with Ricotta and Mint

Fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant—these crostini are the seasonal appetizer your summer menu needs.

When summer produce is at its peak, there's no better way to showcase strawberries than in this easy and elegant Strawberry Crostini recipe. With creamy ricotta, macerated strawberries, fresh mint, and a hint of honey atop toasted baguette slices, this appetizer strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing.

Whether you're hosting a brunch, planning an outdoor gathering, or simply want to elevate your snack game, these crostini are sure to impress.

🧑‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

• Seasonal ingredients that highlight the sweetness of ripe strawberries.

• Quick to prepare—ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.

• Versatile and customizable with dairy-free and gluten-free options.

• Visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for entertaining.

🍓 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make 8 servings (about 16 crostini):

• 1 cup diced strawberries

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ baguette, sliced into ¼-inch pieces

• Olive oil spray

• ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint

🔄 Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ricotta with goat cheese, mascarpone, whipped feta, or vegan cream cheese.

• Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.

• Try fresh basil as an alternative to mint.

• Make it gluten-free with GF baguette or endive leaves for a low-carb twist.

• Add crunch with chopped pistachios, almonds, or toasted sunflower seeds.

• Enhance flavor with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

In a bowl, mix the strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This softens the berries and enhances their sweetness.

Step 2: Toast the Baguette

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden. Let cool.

Step 3: Prepare Ricotta Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta and honey until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

Add chopped mint to the macerated strawberries. Spread ricotta mixture on each toast and top with a spoonful of the berry mixture. Serve immediately.

🥄 Nutrition (Per 2 Crostini)

• Calories: 101 kcal

• Protein: 4.5 g

• Carbohydrates: 17.5 g

• Fat: 2 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 4 g

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Best served fresh: Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread.

• Prep in advance:

  • Toast crostini and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

  • Keep ricotta and strawberry mixtures refrigerated separately for 2–4 days.

• Reassemble and serve when ready.

❓ FAQ

What’s the difference between bruschetta and crostini?

Bruschetta uses thick slices of rustic sourdough, often grilled and rubbed with garlic. Crostini are smaller, thinner slices of baguette toasted in the oven.

Can crostini get soggy?

Yes, especially if topped too early. Ricotta helps create a barrier, but for best results, assemble right before serving.

🌿 More Summer Recipes with Strawberries

If you love this strawberry crostini, here are more fresh ideas for seasonal cooking:

• Strawberry Crisp

• Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Strawberries

• Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Strawberries with Yogurt Whipped Cream

• Strawberry Banana Bread

With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these Strawberry Ricotta Crostini are the bite-sized appetizer you’ll want to make all summer long. Serve them at brunch, garden parties, or any sunny occasion—and prepare to be asked for the recipe more than once.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more chef-approved, seasonal recipes to elevate your kitchen game—your next favorite dish starts here.