Roasted Red Grapes Crostinis with Ricotta & Thyme
These crostinis are toasted with the lightness of extra virgin olive oil and then smeared with a dollop of soft and creamy ricotta cheese. Nestled on top of that ricotta are a couple of sweet, red grapes and buttery delicate flavors from toasted pine nuts. Sprinkled with thyme and optionally some coarse salt…you have a refined snack, appetizer or small side!
At many major, local supermarkets that have an in-store bakery, they are carrying fresh baked rustic baguettes. The baguettes are just beautiful and perfect for these crostinis. The baguettes are best eaten the day it’s baked, but if for some reason you’re not able to get to it or need them for the next days for entertaining, slice them up ahead of time and place them in a sealed plastic bag. They’ll keep their texture for the next days when stored in a cool kitchen or place.
Crostinis can be a memorable little appetizer, small plate or snack. They’re great for quick meals during the week and entertaining. Toast them on a grill pan or in the oven. Use extra virgin olive oil or an infused olive oil that would compliment the flavors of the other ingredients.
Roasted Red Grapes Crostinis with Ricotta & Thyme
THE GLUTEN FREE OPTION: For those that are gluten sensitive or if you’re entertaining guests that may have gluten sensitivities, you can make Crostonis. Crostonis are a little larger than traditional crostinis, crunchy and are made using fried or grilled polenta. I’ll be posting some crostonis soon…
For these roasted red grapes crostinis with ricotta and thyme, serve it up with a crisp glass (or two) of a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc!
Have a great summer weekend!
print[save_recipe]Yield will vary
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing and pan preparation
- 1 rustic baguette, sliced
- red grapes, washed
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3-4 springs of thyme
- coarse salt
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil and place red grapes on pan. Roast for 10-14 minutes or until the grapes have started to split and slightly foam.
- At the same time, place pine nuts in a pie pan and roast with the grapes, about 8-10 minutes or until fragrant and golden.
- Allow both the grapes and pine to cool. Set aside.
- Brush the rustic baguette slices with olive oil on one side. Using a grill pan, place the slice that is oiled face down on the grill pan and toast until golden.
- Place a dollop of the ricotta cheese on each slice of the baguette. Add grapes and pine nuts. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and coarse salt.
Serve with a glass of crisp white wine (a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc is always good!).© Images & content: Cristina A-Moore for TeenieCakes.com.
- Measurements are by preference.
- For gluten sensitivities, serve on Crostonis (made with polenta flour).
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
My daughter and I are looking at your post together (still summer break…) and she loves grapes so she immediately said she wants to eat this. I agreed. It looks so refreshing and perfect appetizer on weekends. Will try this very soon!
Cristina says
Thank you Nami and to your daughter too! This can be a fun food for kidz too with the crunchy, tasty bread and juicy, sweet grapes. Roasting the grapes brings out the sweetness and the flavors of the grapes to the forefront. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Anne says
I could eat all of those little crostinis right now! They look delicious and the pics are gorgeous!
Cristina says
Thanks, Anne – It’s about lunch time right now and I’m wishing I had some grapes to make these again!! 🙂
ray says
Definitely agree with Angie — these crostinis are gorgeous! I may have to stare for a while before eating them. Beautiful photos, Cristina. 🙂
Cristina says
LOL! You’re so nice, Ray… thank you, my friend. 🙂
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
I had some grape crostinis yesterday too, but not as gorgeous as yours. I used the German Quark and didn’t even bother to roast the grapes. Love yours a lot more.
Cristina says
Thx, Angie. I have yet to try Quark cheese. I see you’ve used it in several of your beautiful posts. Need to find some and try it! 😉
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
How awesome are these crostinis!? I love all the flavours. .. your photographs are exceptional. . 😀
Cristina says
Thank you so much, Arpita 😉
russ says
This is the perfect treat to sit back and enjoy with a glass of wine. Beautiful pics!
Cristina says
Thank you, Russ. 🙂 Two glass of wine!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I just picked up the most incredible grapes and they’d be perfect for these crostinis, yum!
Cristina says
Hope you’ll give these crostinis a try, Laura! 🙂
Jazz says
What a perfect treat and easy enough to make. I love the idea and could see myself over indulging.
Cristina says
It is a treat and the grapes are the stars! 🙂
Sandra Garth says
This would be a real treat.
Cristina says
A perfect treat, especially on these warm days (and a glass of wine!) 🙂