Crisp toast, creamy cheese, and fresh strawberries—made fast for date night or upgraded for an elevated entertaining bite.
Strawberry Bruschetta (2 Ways: Quick or Elevated)
Description
Make strawberry bruschetta two ways: a quick, affordable date-night appetizer or an elevated entertaining version with chef-level tips. Ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Whip the cheese:
Whip ricotta with a little lemon zest + pinch of salt until smooth.
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Toast the bread:
Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Toast at 400°F for 5–7 minutes until golden.
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Season the strawberries:
Dice strawberries small. Toss with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
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Build:
Spread goat cheese (or ricotta) on warm toast. Spoon strawberries on top.
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Finish:
Drizzle with honey and balsamic glaze. Top with basil. Serve immediately.
Note
Better balsamic: Reduce aged balsamic vinegar in a small pan until syrupy (instead of store glaze).
Crunch: Add crushed pistachio or toasted macadamia.
Savory depth: Add a whisper of lemon zest + extra cracked pepper.
Make-ahead: Prep toast + strawberry mix, assemble right before serving to keep it crisp.
Tips (chef-y but friendly)
Salt the strawberries. It sounds tiny—it’s not. It makes them taste more like strawberries.
Don’t assemble early. Bread goes soft fast. Assemble right before serving.
Goat cheese vs ricotta: Goat = tangy punch. Ricotta = mellow, crowd-friendly.
Variations
Prosciutto version: Add a ribbon of prosciutto for sweet-salty balance.
Spicy version: A pinch of crushed red pepper or a tiny drizzle of hot honey.
Herb swap: Basil is classic; mint is surprisingly great for summer.
What to Serve With
Sparkling wine, rosé, or a simple citrus mocktail
A quick arugula salad with lemon + olive oil
Any pasta night where you want a “starter” without real effort
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