If you are in need of a simple but impressive appetizer these Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini are the perfect choice. Don’t be intimidated, crostini are basically just snobby pieces of toast with fancy toppings.
I’m not really the dinner party type so I make a batch of these for my daughter and I to eat at our carpet picnics. We are classy like that! Is she the only three year old eating Roasted Grape and Ricotta Crostini for dinner, on the floor? Probably.
The most important thing to take away from this post is that if you have never tried roasted grapes, it is a must! It is like grape jelly for adults. Roasting the grapes brings out an entirely new flavor and sweetness.
I first experienced roasted grapes about ten years ago at Jax Brewery in New Orleans. While the beer sampler was amazing, it was those roasted grapes that stuck with me. Oh, and visiting Jax Brewery in the French Quarter is another Must Do!
And what doesn’t taste better with a dollop of fresh, creamy ricotta? You can definitely use store bought ricotta but if you want ultimate deliciousness check out my post on How To Make Ricotta.
- 1 lb Grapes
- Sea Salt
- 1 Tb Olive Oil
- 1 crusty French or Sour Dough Baguette
- 1-2 Tb Olive Oil
- 8 ounces Ricotta How To Make Ricotta
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Preheat oven to 400°
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Wash grapes and break into small bunches.
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Toss with olive oil until evenly coated then transfer to a baking dish.
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Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the grapes begin to release their juices.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with salt and let cool for at least 5 minutes.
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Slice baguette into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds.
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Brush both sides with olive oil.
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Broil on high for 1-2 minutes on each side or until brown.*
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Use store bought ricotta to spread onto the crostini or make your own ( How To Make Ricotta ).
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Spread a even layer of ricotta on each slice of bread and top with 2-3 roasted grapes.
*If you have more patience than I do, you can also bake crostini at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Flip the crostini half way through.
“We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.”
– Henry David Thoreau
I love a good party! I’ve been known to share my delicious creations at THESE awesome parties!
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You are totally my kind of family! The classy carpet picnic kind! This is quite the sophisticated appetizer Nicole! Impressive, but simple. Love it!
Thanks Tanya! You are welcome to one of our classy picnics any day!
They look so perfect for a weekend brunch!
I’d love to have you share this and/or any other recipe at Wednesday Extravaganza – A Foodie Link Party! Hope to see you there 🙂
http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/1/post/2013/06/wednesday-extravaganza-34.html
Thanks Jutta! These sure are tasty little nibbles 🙂
Yum! I l just saw this at Whipperberry. I love ricotta, but I rarely use it. Great idea to use it on Crostini . . . and the roasted grapes sound yummy too.
Hi Angie! Spreading ricotta on crostini is so tasty! Definitely try roasting grapes sometime … Amazing! Have a great weekend 🙂
Ohhh the ricotta and roasted grape combination sounds REALLY good!!!! What a great idea!
Thanks Maria! This is a delicious combination. Have a wonderful weekend!
this looks like a perfect cocktail hour snack! YUM! Love sweet and savory! Saw you at 6 sisters:)
Would love for you to come over to Super Sunday and link this (and some more) up! http://whoneedsacape.com/2013/06/super-sunday-party-4/
Thanks! This is a great appetizer for a girls night. Have a wonderful week!
These sound fantastic. I love to make ricotta but it makes a huge amount. This would be perfect for our Ladies night. They would go crazy for it. Pinning!
I hear ya! I have had a Ton of ricotta around my house and have been trying all sorts of different recipes with it. I have a super yummy ricotta ice cream recipe coming soon. Thanks for stopping by and for the feature!
BTW, Thanks for sharing on Thurdays Treasures. They will be a feature this week.
I love this for 2 reasons…
1) I’ve never roasted grapes before. And now I realize I need to immediately.
2) I was just looking for summer crostini recipes the other day and am so happy I came across this 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Chris, I’m glad you like it! If you take away anything from this recipe it is that you MUST try roasted grapes! So good … Enjoy.
Nicole, these are fabulous, I love the roasted grapes! Thanks for sharing at Thursday’s Treasures, I”m featurubg you this week, Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Looks delicious! I am making these for a dinner party for 20 + people this coming weekend. I have my crostini ready. The ricotta softens the bread I assume ? How early do you think I can set these up befor they could go soggy ?
I would prepare these as close to serving as possible. The juice from the grapes is really what you have to worry about. Or you could set up an area that the guests can assemble the crostini as they want them. Enjoy!