This lemon ricotta bruschetta is the kind of appetizer that looks elegant but couldn't be easier to make. Creamy lemon ricotta is spread over crispy toasted baguette slices, then finished with olive oil, sweet honey, fresh basil, bright lemon zest, and a sprinkle of crunchy salt. It's ready in just 25 minutes and is perfect for spring brunches, summer parties, holidays, or wine nights with friends.
"One of my absolute favorites! Always impresses guests and family with taste and presentation."
★★★★★ -Judy
🔍 Quick Look: Lemon Ricotta Brushetta
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 10 minutes
👥 Servings: 12 slices
📊 Calories: 176 per slice
🍋 Main Ingredients: French baguette, whole milk ricotta, fresh lemon, honey, basil, olive oil
🌿 Flavor: Bright, creamy, sweet, savory, with a hint of crunch
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
Jump to:
A note from my kitchen
I find myself making this lemon ricotta bruschetta every spring and summer when I want something that feels a little special. There's just something about the combination of creamy ricotta, fresh lemon, fragrant basil, and that drizzle of sweet honey that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
For an elegant presentation, I suggest garnishing the platter with fresh slices of lemon and bright green basil leaves. It's a simple touch that makes this appetizer look as beautiful as it tastes.
My guests usually take one bite, then pause to say, "Oh wow, this is lovely!" It's simple, unique, and proof that a handful of fresh ingredients can create something truly memorable.
I hope you love it as much as we do. Enjoy! Xoxo -Katie.
I have partnered with Pomora Olive Oil. They send me quarterly batch of their newest olive oils in exchange for a post. I receive a small compensation from any olive oil orders at no additional cost to you.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
To make this lemon ricotta bruschetta, you need the following ingredients:
- French baguette- You can also substitute with Italian bread, but it will have a thicker crust.
- Olive oil
- Fresh peeled garlic clove- You do not want to use garlic powder or crushed garlic.
- Lemon
- Honey- Use a good quality honey. For a sweet and spicy kick, use hot honey.
- Ricotta- Use whole milk ricotta, not skim.
- Fresh basil
- Coarse salt- It is important to use a good coarse salt like sea salt or Kosher. Do not use table salt.
*The full recipe with measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Steps
Follow these steps to make beautiful lemon ricotta bruschetta with honey and basil.
- Slice baguette into half inch slices.
- Lay bread slices on a baking sheet and brush olive oil on each side of the bread and bake bread 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cut peeled garlic in half and rub garlic on each slice of bread.
- Zest lemon and set aside.
- Juice lemon.
- Mix ricotta cheese and lemon juice.
- Generously spread ricotta on the slices of bread.
- Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta.
- Drizzle honey over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle lemon zest over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the ricotta.
- Finish each slice by topping with a coarse, crunchy salt and serve.
Watch how to make ricotta bruschetta
Can you substitute ricotta with cottage cheese in this recipe?
In most recipes, you can use cottage cheese in place of ricotta. However, for this recipe, you will not want to do that. Ricotta is smoother in texture. The curds are smaller. It blends creamier with the lemon. The cottage cheese would be too moist and lumpy.
I use Pomora Olive Oil for this recipe along with all of my special gourmet dishes. Pomora Olive Oil is a high quality olive oil that flavors the bruschetta exceptionally.
All of their olive oils are earthy, rich, and flavorful. They just can't compare to the store bought olive oils.
For more information on what I love about Pomora Olive Oil, click here! However, if you cannot use Pomora Olive Oil, please use a good quality olive oil.
For more small plate inspirations, try some of these recipes:
Please leave me a comment below if you make this ricotta brushetta, and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your bread on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
📖 Recipe
Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove 2 cloves if they are small
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons basil chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice baguette into half inch slices.1 French baguette
- Lay bread slices on a baking sheet and brush olive oil on each side of the bread and bake bread at 375 in the oven 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.¼ cup olive oil
- Cut peeled garlic in half and rub garlic on each slice of bread.1 garlic clove
- Zest lemon and set zest aside.1 lemon
- Juice lemon.
- Mix ricotta cheese and lemon juice.16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- Generously spread ricotta on the slices of bread.
- Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta.
- Drizzle honey over the ricotta.2 tablespoons honey
- Sprinkle lemon zest over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the ricotta.3 tablespoons basil
- salt to taste
Robin says
Is this a serve immediately recipe or will it be okay for an 1 hr wait to be eaten?
Katie Crenshaw says
It is perfectly fine to serve an hour later.
Colleen A says
Just took it today to a gals lakeside get together. They devoured them and have sent the recipe out ten fold! My husband is excited because I saved extras!! YUMM !!! This is now a staple. Bright, fresh, beautiful, and healthy.
Judy Barganier says
One of my absolute favorites! Always impresses guests and family with taste and presentation.
Beth C says
My niece and I want to make this for the lunch we host each year for the women in our family for Mother's Day...however, one of my aunts is allergic to honey. Do you think we could swap in maple syrup?
Katie Crenshaw says
I haven't tried it, but I think it would be lovely.
Sarah says
This was super delicious! Will now be one if my go-to appetizers!
Sandy says
What wine would you pair this with?
Katie Crenshaw says
Rose and champagne would be absolutely perfect. You could also drink sauvignon blanc. A nice pinot noir would be good if you want a red.
Maria says
A perfect appetizer, lemon ricotta was fantastic love to do it again and again and it is perfect for parties. Thank You for the delicious Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta.
Traci says
Perfect appetizer for parties or just treating myself. I love how easy and elegant these are. Thanks for sharing.
Beth Sachs says
Such a delicious fresh tasting summertime appetizer! I love lemon and ricotta.
Natalie says
This looks so light and so delicious. Ricotta has such a delicate but amazing flavor. I have to make this. Thanks for this lovely recipe.
Heidy says
This lemon ricotta bruschetta was outstanding---the flavors went together like two peas in a pod. I loved it and will be making it again!
Katherine says
What awesome flavour-packed bruschetta!