Tomato Basil Bruschetta with Honey (and on Lemon Ricotta Crostini)

Tomato bruschetta is one of my favourite appetizers, and it’s the perfect way to kick off any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a night in, this simple appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser. However, if you’re looking to switch things up and try something new, why not give honey basil and tomato bruschetta a try?

This sweet and savoury twist on the classic dish is sure to become a new favourite, especially during this time of year when fresh tomatoes and herbs are in abundance. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my great recipe for honey bruschetta, perfect for those trying it for the first time or those looking for a fresh take on a classic dish.

What Is Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a popular Italian antipasto that consists of grilled bread slices rubbed with garlic and topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients. One of the most common toppings for bruschetta is a mixture of chopped tomatoes, including grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, as well as finely chopped red onions. This tomato and onion mixture is often seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano, and drizzled with olive oil for added richness.

The combination of sweet and acidic flavours from the tomatoes, the sharp bite of the onions, and the nutty taste of the bread make bruschetta a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.

Why You’ll Love this Honey, Basil & Tomato Bruschetta

This honey basil and tomato bruschetta recipe is a perfect summer appetizer that people will love for its sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. Not only is this honey basil and tomato bruschetta recipe delicious, but it’s also a healthy and vegetarian recipe that everyone can enjoy.

When paired with creamy ricotta cheese, it provides a good source of protein and calcium. While the fresh bread or baguette slices add fibre and whole grains to the dish. Additionally, the use of different types of honey adds a unique depth of flavour to the dish, making it stand out from other bruschetta recipes.

How to Serve Bruschetta

To serve this honey basil and tomato bruschetta recipe, simply arrange the toasted bread slices or baguette slices on a platter and spread the whipped ricotta and honey mixture over each slice. Then, spoon the tomato mixture on top and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavour.

For even more flavour, take the toasted bread slices or baguette slices and rub them with garlic. This gives them a delicious garlic bread flavour to the toasted bread slice.

This dish can be served as a light meal or as an appetizer for a summer gathering. It’s refreshing flavours and healthy ingredients make it an excellent addition to any party or event.

Ingredients for Bruschetta

To make this easy recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 5-6 heirloom tomatoes, diced. Roma tomatoes will work too!
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 tsp of kosher salt or sea salt
• 1/4 tsp of fresh ground black pepper

How to Make Bruschetta

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix well to combine.
2. Transfer the large bowl to the fridge and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to infuse.

How to Make Whipped Ricotta

Here’s how to make the lemony whipped ricotta:

Ingredients for the Whipped Ricotta:

• 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon of honey or spicy honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

optional: 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves

Directions to make Whipped Ricotta:

1. Place the fresh ricotta cheese in a food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Add the honey, lemon juice and lemon zest to the food processor and blend for another 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined.
3. Stop the food processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Continue to blend the ricotta mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
5. Once the whipped ricotta is ready, transfer it to a bowl and an extra drizzle of honey and lemon zest for an extra burst of flavour.

You can also make the whipped ricotta with a handheld mixer. Simply add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whip for about 3 minutes.

How to Make Crostini

Here is how to make a simple crostini recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of Italian bread or sourdough bread
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
2. Slice the bread into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet or a small rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the prepared baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
6. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven to make your own crostini. Place the bread slices on a small rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with olive oil. Toast them in the toaster oven for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Once the crostini is ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

This crostini recipe is not only perfect for bruschetta, it also pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses. My favourites include goat cheese (just like this Easy Herbed Goat Cheese), mozzarella cheese, and burrata cheese.

How to Store Bruschetta

Bruschetta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, transfer the tomato mixture to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Keep the toasted bread slices separate from the tomato mixture to prevent them from getting soggy.

If you have leftover bruschetta that has already been assembled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To store, place the bruschetta on a plate or container and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Before serving leftover bruschetta, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes, then give it a quick stir to redistribute the tomato mixture before spooning it onto the bread slices. Note that the bread may not be as crispy as when it was first toasted, but it should still be flavorful and delicious.