The holidays are filled with parties, and nothing gets a party started quite like a great appetizer. Whether you are hosting a large group at home or need an easy holiday appetizer that travels well, this Roasted Grape and Ricotta Crostini should be at the top of your list. Far from ordinary, this tasty recipe will get your gathering off to a memorable start. Since my last crostini recipe was such a hit – I created another scrumptious recipe that is just as simple, and just as delicious. Serve with champagne for a festive bite!
Roasting the grapes develops the flavor, and brings out the sweetness. The grapes become really juicy on the inside, and when paired with the balsamic vinegar it gives it a nice sweet and tangy flavor as well. The ricotta is soft and creamy and makes a wonderful blanket on the toasted bread. Cut the baguette slices relatively thick (about 1/2 inch) so the crostini is easy to pick up and stays intact, when you eat it with your hands. This recipe tastes best warm, but the great thing about it is that you can roast the grapes in advanced (re-heat before serving), and just assemble the rest of the recipe right before you want to serve them.
Ingredients:
1 pound seedless purple grapes, stems discarded
1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
2 thyme sprigs, plus chopped fresh thyme for garnish
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt
Pepper
Twelve 1/2-inch-thick baguette slices
3/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese
Honey