Introduction
This Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Imagine warm, toasted bread topped with fluffy ricotta and strawberries roasted to perfection with honey and thyme. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can serve as a quick breakfast, a light dessert, or even a satisfying snack. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is all about letting the fresh flavors shine.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make, this recipe is for you. The sweetness of the honey-roasted strawberries pairs beautifully with the creamy whipped ricotta, while the rustic bread adds the perfect crunch. The addition of fresh thyme elevates the dish, giving it a subtle herbaceous flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet morning, this dish is versatile, delicious, and can be made in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, ends removed
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 lemon (for juice)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
- 2 slices rustic bread, 1-inch thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the strawberries and toasting the bread.
2. Roast the Strawberries
Place the strawberries in a medium-sized baking dish. Drizzle with honey and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top. Add fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch. Roast the strawberries in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. The honey will caramelize slightly, creating a rich, flavorful topping.
Once roasted, set the strawberries aside to cool slightly. The roasting process concentrates their sweetness and makes them wonderfully juicy.
3. Toast the Bread
While the strawberries are roasting, drizzle olive oil over the slices of rustic bread. Place the bread in the oven and toast for about 1 minute, or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on the bread, as it can go from perfectly toasted to too dark quickly.
4. Whip the Ricotta
In a food processor, whip 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta for 30 seconds to a minute until it becomes light and fluffy. This step gives the ricotta a velvety texture, making it an ideal base for the roasted strawberries.
5. Assemble the Dish
Spread the whipped ricotta evenly over the toasted bread slices. Then, spoon the roasted strawberries on top, ensuring they are spread evenly. The contrast between the warm, toasty bread and the cool, creamy ricotta creates a perfect bite every time.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with extra fresh thyme and a pinch of sea salt to bring out all the flavors. Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp and the strawberries are warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium-sized baking dish for roasting strawberries
- Food processor for whipping the ricotta
- Baking sheet for toasting the bread
- Knife for prepping strawberries
Tips and Shortcuts
- No Food Processor? If you don’t have a food processor, you can whip the ricotta by hand using a whisk. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but it will still be delicious.
- Prepping Ahead: You can roast the strawberries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just warm them slightly before serving.
- Extra Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can drizzle a bit more honey on top of the finished dish.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Bread Options: If you don’t have rustic bread on hand, sourdough or even a good-quality baguette will work just as well.
- Cheese Variation: Try swapping the ricotta with whipped goat cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
- Seasonal Twist: Instead of strawberries, you can use other seasonal fruits like peaches, figs, or even roasted plums.
How to Store Leftovers
While this dish is best served fresh, you can store the roasted strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently before serving. The whipped ricotta can also be stored separately in the fridge for a couple of days.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries with a glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco for a light and refreshing accompaniment. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing it with sparkling water infused with lemon or a cup of herbal tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before roasting to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: You can use a dairy-free ricotta substitute, such as almond or cashew-based ricotta, to make this dish dairy-free.
Q: Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to toast the bread just before serving, you can prep the strawberries and ricotta ahead and assemble everything right before eating.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
Call to Action
Loved this Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries? Share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more simple yet elegant recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Print
Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of rustic bread topped with creamy whipped ricotta and honey-roasted strawberries, perfect for a sweet and savory treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 260 kcal