When fresh summer strawberries are in season, you have to take advantage of the haul. Sweet Strawberry Bruschetta is a great way to highlight these luscious berries.
This easy bruschetta recipe includes baguette slices slathered with ricotta cheese, topped a bruschetta mixture made with sweet fresh strawberries. Garnished with a balsamic glaze and shreds of fresh basil leaves. Served cold for easy summer entertaining.
Homemade bruschetta is so easy to make. Until I made fresh bruschetta for the first time, I was unaware of how quick and simple it is. No need to purchase pre-made when making fresh at home takes no time at all.
Turning simple ingredients into delicious dishes is one of my favourite things to do. Eating seasonal produce at its peak is so enjoyable. If only we could access to farm fresh produce all year long. Have you tried grilled fruit desserts? Grilled Balsamic Strawberries are perfect for easy summer entertaining.
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with CHEESE and BREAD any time of day. Two things I can make a meal out of any day of the week. Speaking of turning ordinary into extraordinary, have you ever tried cold smoked cheese?
STRAWBERRY BRUSCHETTA INGREDIENTS
This easy strawberry bruschetta recipe requires only a few ingredients:
- fresh strawberries
- a nice fresh baguette
- ricotta cheese
- *balsamic reduction
- fresh basil
- *agave nectar
- *basil flavoured olive oil
Have you been out to the markets getting your fill of strawberries while they are in season? Maybe you have been to the “pick your own” farms? We wait so long for this delicious season, I hate to see it come to an end. Nothing beats the taste of a ripe berry right from the field.
When anything is in season, Itry to come up with lots of options and delicious ways to enjoy the harvest. We have enjoyed strawberry cocktails, strawberry popsicles, pies, and scones. Why not try something a little different? I am a total bread and cheese lover, so a sweet bruschetta recipe sounded like a tasty plan to me.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY BRUSCHETTA
Basic tomato bruschetta is simple and delicious. This strawberry bruschetta recipe is just as easy to make. Giada’s bruschetta recipe uses only bread and strawberries. Bruschetta with cheese is a must for me.
Place sweet strawberries in a blender and blitz until just roughly chopped. You can even chop the berries by hand if you like.
Next, I placed the chopped berries into a bowl and mixed in some strawberry balsamic glaze (which is just strawberry flavoured balsamic reduced down to thicken).
At this point, you can add some sweetener if you like. I mixed in a teaspoon of agave nectar. Feel free to leave this out if you are happy with the sweetness of the berries. Set aside until ready to use. Simple right?
Cut the bread, slather on the cheese, top with the strawberry mixture. Garnish with a bit more balsamic reduction and fresh shreds basil.
TIPS FOR MAKING THIS BRUSCHETTA RECIPE
- Is bruschetta made with strawberries served hot or cold? I served this COLD. Makes for easy entertaining. I didn’t even toast the bread. Less stress and more time with family and friends is my goal.
- How to keep the bread from going soggy? Prepare this at THE LAST MINUTE. Have everything ready to go. This is super easy to put together at the last minute. If you are really pressed for time, have your bread cut into slices (kept in a ziplock bag).
- What is the best bread for bruschetta? I used a baguette. Any bread that is DENSE to hold the bruschetta toppings will work. Sourdough would be a great alternative.
- When to serve sweet bruschetta? ANYTIME! Strawberry appetizers are perfect for brunch, lunch, or even before dinner. In fact, I have also used this recipe for bruschetta as DESSERT TOO!
- Use a balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction for garnish. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own by reducing down some balsamic vinegar.
- Do you flavour the cheese? You don’t have too, but for this bruschetta recipe, I used some basil flavoured olive oil in the cheese mixture.
TYPES OF CHEESE FOR BRUSCHETTA
Here you can so much fun experimenting. I happen to LOVE cheese (there is NO wrong cheese in my opinion). A few delicious suggestions would be:
- ricotta (which I used in this bruschetta recipe)
- goat cheese
- cream cheese
- mascarpone cheese
- feta
- burrata
- brie
If you are like me, this Sweet Strawberry Bruschetta is perfect any time of day (or night). Bread, cheese, and berries can fit into any meal. Enjoy strawberry season while it lasts.
What is your favourite recipe for using fresh strawberries?
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Sweet Strawberry Bruschetta With Ricotta & Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 baguette (sliced into thick pieces)
- 8 ounces strawberries
- 1 tbsp balsamic reduction (I used strawberry flavoured balsamic glaze)
- 1 tsp agave nectar (optional)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (I used basil flavoured)
- fresh basil (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp balsamic reduction (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Strawberry Bruschetta:
- Wash the strawberries and place in a blender. Blitz until roughly chopped. Alternatively, you can cut the berries by hand into small pieces.Place in a bowl.
- Add the balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze) and mix. Taste to see if you would like to add any sweetener. I used some agave, but you could use honey or sugar if you wish. Mix well and set aside till ready to use.
For the Ricotta:
- Place the ricotta in a bowl. You can use just plain ricotta if you like (or any other soft cheese). I like to flavour my cheese, so I added some basil flavoured olive oil. You can use plain olive oil, skip this step completely or add some fresh or dried herbs to flavour the cheese. Mix well.
To Assemble:
- Cut the baguette into thick slices (about 16 in total, depending on the size of the baguette).
- Slather some cheese on each slice.
- Top the cheese with some the strawberry bruschetta mixture.
- Garnish with additional balsamic, and threads of fresh basil.
- ENJOY!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
May 23, 2019 at 8:36 PMThis is perfect for last minute appetizer!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 24, 2019 at 10:36 AMI love using them as a dessert…but yes they would be a great appetizer for the weekend brunch for sure. ENJOY!
Jackie
May 20, 2019 at 8:53 PMWe are going strawberry picking this weekend and I know what I am going to make when we get home. This works for both an appetizer or to serve at brunch.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 21, 2019 at 11:26 AMYes it sure does. This strawberry bruschetta makes a great dessert too.
Danielle
May 20, 2019 at 12:26 PMAnother great way to use strawberries. I doubt there is time in the year when I get tired of strawberries. Be it a sweet dish or a savory salad, I always enjoy using some strawberries. Looking forward to trying the strawberry bruschetta now!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 21, 2019 at 11:27 AMHope you love this strawberry bruschetta recipe as much as we do. It even makes a great dessert too.
Lois Christensen
May 19, 2019 at 10:44 AMWhat a great delicious way to serve strawberries! I love strawberries and cheese combinations. Looks perfect for summer.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 20, 2019 at 11:22 AMHonestly, I can make a meal out of this bruschetta…and have!!
Jenni LeBaron
May 18, 2019 at 10:20 PMI know that this is intended to be served as an appetizer, but I would definitely have zero problems making a meal out of this. I love the strawberry topping and the ricotta makes everything perfectly creamy. YUM!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 20, 2019 at 11:24 AMHAHAH…I have made a meal out of this…along with a nice glass of white wine. ENJOY!
Veena Azmanov
May 16, 2019 at 12:32 AMFantastic party option. Cute and delicious. Love the combination of ingredients and I am drooling.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 18, 2019 at 9:07 AMI can make a meal of this strawberry bruschetta (and did after the photo shoot). ENJOY!
Denise
May 15, 2019 at 1:35 PMWhat a FANTASTIC twist on traditional brushetta! I love it! It would be great as an appetizer, meal or even dessert! I can’t wait to make it to impress my friends.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2019 at 4:02 PMI have used this Strawberry Bruschetta in ALL those areas…and as a meal after the photo shoot. Add a glass of wine and you are good to go. ENJOY!
Heidy L. McCallum
May 15, 2019 at 1:04 PMI love the flavors that you have chosen to mingle together. It sounds fab and trust me my husband would love this. Saving for later.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2019 at 4:02 PMHope you give this bruschetta recipe a try. A great way to showcase sweet strawberries in seasnon.
Tawnie Kroll
May 15, 2019 at 12:58 PMEveryone loved these at the party I went to last weekend – thank you!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2019 at 4:03 PMTHANKS for letting me know. This really is a delicious and different version of bruschetta.
Emily
May 15, 2019 at 10:29 AMI adore bruschetta but I’ve never had a strawberry one. Totally trying this for our next family get-together!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2019 at 4:04 PMI think you will be surprised at how delicious this bruschetta recipe is.
Sara Welch
May 15, 2019 at 9:59 AMWhat a sweet treat! This will be perfect for my niece’s baby shower this weekend!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2019 at 4:04 PMYES I think it will too. Perfect for get-togethers.
Karyl Henry
November 10, 2018 at 9:22 AMI love bruschetta, but never thought of doing one with fruit. Strawberry and balsamic is such a wonderful combination, and I could eat ricotta by the spoonful. What a great appetizer!
Homemade & Yummy
November 10, 2018 at 10:19 AMThis is such a delicious recipe, especially at the peak of strawberry season. Great for BBQ parties.
Mary Bostow
July 24, 2018 at 2:35 PMLovely, especially this time of year when fresh strawberries are in season. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Homemade & Yummy
July 25, 2018 at 6:05 PMThis is the perfect way to showcase fresh berries…not to mention delicious too.
Carolyn
July 23, 2018 at 10:04 PMOh yum, this looks incredible!
Homemade & Yummy
July 24, 2018 at 1:50 PMHope you give it a try. It is brunch perfect.
Patti
July 23, 2018 at 12:20 PMI have never had cheese with bruschetta, and I don’t know why. That’s a great idea. I love that you used strawberries for this. I have a huge flat of strawberries that I just picked up in Santa Maria, CA from a road side stand earlier this week. I see strawberry bruschetta in my family’s future.
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 3:47 PMI can eat this for any meal of the day….and have LOL!!
Amanda
July 23, 2018 at 7:58 AMThis looks amazing. Balsamic is one of my favorite ingredients to use and I love this pairing with strawberries and riccotta….I’m pretty sure I have everything to make this today!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:29 AMENJPY….this is so easy and delicious.
Heather
July 23, 2018 at 6:43 AMBeautiful twist on classic bruschetta! Perfect for brunch or ANYTIME! Love that you are using strawberries for this recipe .. sweet, creamy and the perfect combination with that balsalmic glaze. Perfect recipe!!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:30 AMThis is a super easy…and fun twist on the classic for sure.
Stacey
July 23, 2018 at 12:30 AMThis is such a lovely appetizer, looks so tasty good and easy to put together!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:30 AMWorks great as a dessert too. Hope you give it a try.
Jessica
July 22, 2018 at 11:42 PMI have been craving bruschetta like no other lately and keep telling myself I’m going to make it next week. With a flat of strawberries from the farmer’s market, I have no reason to not make this now!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:30 AMI agree…ENJOY!!
Amanda
July 22, 2018 at 9:55 PMThe balsamic reduction really brings out the sweetness of the strawberries. I have the perfect bread for this recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:32 AMBalsamic and strawberries are the perfect combination on this mouthwatering pizza.
Renee Gardner
July 22, 2018 at 8:14 PMI am head over heals in love with balsamic and fruit combinations!! Fig is the top of my list, but strawberry comes in a close second. I tasted strawberry balsamic ice cream today and I can imagine that this would be the perfect savory substitute (and must more to my taste!) Now I just need to convince my husband to like strawberries and I can live on this the rest of the summer.
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:33 AMI know…the strawberry/balsamic combination is so delicious.
Kitty
July 22, 2018 at 6:55 PMI’ve been thinking about having a wine and cheese party before the summer is over. This would be a perfect appetizer to serve. Maybe serve the bruschetta with a riesling?
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:33 AMYES….that would be the perfect wine to serve with this…ENJOY!!
Anne Murphy
July 22, 2018 at 6:10 PMI totally see that for brunch! And maybe the next time I do a party with small plates… Conversation starter, as well as delightful dish!
Homemade & Yummy
July 23, 2018 at 8:34 AMYUP…brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. Works for ALL!!
lauren
July 21, 2018 at 10:40 PMI can almost taste that creamy ricotta and fresh strawberry! Love this appetizer idea for using summer fruit. So nice to switch it up with strawberries that relying on a traditional caprese.
Homemade & Yummy
July 22, 2018 at 9:55 AMI love switching things up…and this is a keeper.
Rachel
July 21, 2018 at 4:04 PMThis looks gorgeous! Just recently I’ve been into pairing ricotta and toast with as many creative combination that I can think of. This would is such a tasty looking creation and I can’t wait to give it a try!
Homemade & Yummy
July 22, 2018 at 9:58 AMENJOY….you can’t go wrong with this recipe. So many wonderful combinations.
Julie
July 20, 2018 at 3:25 PMI’ve never tried strawberries in bruschetta before — what a great way to enjoy summer fruit at its peak!
Homemade & Yummy
July 21, 2018 at 10:37 AMFresh strawberries are so delicious. This is a great way to highlight them.
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
July 19, 2018 at 9:13 PMOooooo this is the perfect summer version of bruschetta. I’ve never thought to add strawberries but now I can’t stop thinking about how I need to!
Homemade & Yummy
July 20, 2018 at 9:09 AMI LOVE this recipe….and even made a meal of it LOL.
Crystal Faulkner
July 19, 2018 at 8:39 PMThank you so much for this recipe! This looks so good!!
Homemade & Yummy
July 19, 2018 at 8:44 PMThanks so much. Hope you can give this recipe a try soon.
Jennifer Salter
July 19, 2018 at 5:17 PMThis would be perfect for serving at brunch or a girls luncheon! Definitely saving this recipe for the next time I get to host!
Homemade & Yummy
July 19, 2018 at 6:29 PMENJOY….this would be perfect for that.
Sean
July 17, 2018 at 5:41 PMSweet and savoury ftw! I love recipes that take sweet fruits like strawberry and work them into more traditionally meal- or appetizer-based recipes. Wonderfully classic flavours here too – I love the way that balsamic, basil, and strawberry all work together. Now to buy a big enough basket of fresh, seasonal strawberries so that I actually have a few left by the time I’m ready to make this. Lol.
Homemade & Yummy
July 17, 2018 at 6:54 PMHAHA…I know I snack as I make things too. This is a great way to showcase the fresh berries that you can manage NOT to eat before incorporating them into delicious recipes.
Lorie
July 17, 2018 at 11:21 AMOne of my girlfriends used to make something similar. Yum! Strawberries were 2 lb for less than $2 so I have a lot to use up!!! And this is first!
Homemade & Yummy
July 17, 2018 at 6:55 PMENJOY…this is easy and delicious.
Dana
July 16, 2018 at 3:34 PMI love this idea! I made bruschetta crostini all the time, but with tomatoes, but I *have* to give this a shot this summer. Strawberries and balsamic go so well together, and with the fluffy ricotta, that’s got to just be wild on the tastebuds. Strawberries are so versatile and I love using them in savory recipes.
Homemade & Yummy
July 17, 2018 at 6:55 PMThis is my “take along” to a BBQ party later this month.
Stephanie Simmons
July 16, 2018 at 10:29 AMMy husband and I love bruschetta! I think we’ll be making this for our next date night at home 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
July 16, 2018 at 11:38 AMENJOY….it is perfect for date night.
Susie
July 16, 2018 at 10:25 AMWhat a great way to take advantage of all the sweet and delicious (and inexpensive) strawberries. This would make the perfect dinner appetizer… Or I would love this for dinner with a big salad. Pinning this recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
July 16, 2018 at 11:39 AMSO good for many things. Great to take to a BBQ party.
Marisa Franca
July 16, 2018 at 7:58 AMI could make an entire meal out of this bruschetta!! It looks so delicious and satisfying. And I’ve got to tell you that I’ve discovered chocolate balsamic vinegar!! Oh! My!!! I love the different balsamic vinegars but this one is totally decadent. I’m thinking of trying it with your recipe. My mouth is watering thinking about it.
Homemade & Yummy
July 16, 2018 at 8:17 AMI know…I could live on bread and cheese!!