Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta & Honey
This Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta & Honey is the ultimate summer appetizer – sweet, juicy peaches and cherry tomatoes tossed with basil, layered over creamy ricotta, and drizzled with golden honey on crisp garlic-toasted sourdough. Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, it’s a quick and elegant bite that’s perfect for gatherings, date nights, or whenever you want something a little extra special.
There are few things that scream summer on a plate quite like juicy peaches. When they’re perfectly ripe, they don’t need much – just a little cheese, fresh bread, and a drizzle of something sweet to make them shine. That’s exactly where this Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta & Honey comes in. It’s light, refreshing, and almost too pretty to eat (though I promise you’ll want more than one).
This recipe is one of those gems that feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough to throw together on a random Tuesday night. It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, uses everyday ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order at a chic little wine bar.
Let me walk you through everything – from choosing the best peaches to making them shine on golden, garlicky sourdough.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Bruschetta
- Perfect balance of flavors – You’ve got creamy ricotta, juicy sweet peaches, tangy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of honey. It’s sweet, savory, and refreshing all at once.
- Quick and easy – 20 minutes, a handful of ingredients, and no complicated steps.
- Beautiful presentation – The colors pop, making it the perfect appetizer for summer entertaining.
- Seasonal eating at its best – When peaches are in season, this is the recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.
The Star Ingredient: Peaches
Peaches are the heart of this recipe, so it’s worth choosing them carefully. You’ll want ripe but firm peaches – the kind that are sweet and fragrant but not so soft that they’ll turn to mush when you dice them.
A few tips for selecting the best peaches:
- Check the fragrance – Ripe peaches smell like summer. If they don’t have much aroma, they probably aren’t sweet yet.
- Look for vibrant color – A golden yellow background (not green!) means they’re ready to eat.
- Gentle squeeze – They should have a little give but not feel overly soft.
And if you ever end up with underripe peaches? Just pop them in a paper bag with a banana overnight – they’ll ripen quickly.
The Bread: Why Sourdough?
I love using sourdough rolls for this bruschetta because they have that slightly tangy flavor and a chewy bite that pairs beautifully with sweet peaches and creamy ricotta. Once toasted with garlic butter, the bread becomes golden and crispy on the outside while still soft inside – the perfect base for piling on toppings.
You can also use:
- A French baguette (for smaller bite-sized bruschetta)
- Ciabatta (for rustic texture)
- Whole-grain bread (for a heartier twist)
The Creamy Layer: Ricotta
Ricotta cheese adds a dreamy creaminess that balances the brightness of the fruit. You can use it straight from the container, but if you want to make it extra luxurious, here’s a little trick:
Whip the ricotta in a food processor with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until it’s silky smooth. It makes spreading easier and adds that restaurant-level feel.
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, mascarpone or whipped goat cheese also work beautifully.
Putting It All Together
Here’s the step-by-step for how everything comes together (spoiler: it’s easy).
Ingredients (for 6 bruschettas)
- 3 sourdough dinner rolls, sliced in half
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ripe peach, pitted and finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely diced
- 2 fresh basil leaves, julienned
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Prep the bread
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix melted butter with garlic and a pinch of salt.
- Brush mixture on the cut side of rolls.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
2. Make the topping
- In a bowl, combine diced peach, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently and let rest 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
3. Assemble
- Spread ricotta on toasted bread.
- Top with peach-tomato mixture.
- Drizzle with honey.
4. Enjoy
- Garnish with extra basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Add prosciutto – For a salty-sweet combo.
- Swap the honey – Use balsamic glaze for a more savory twist.
- Add crunch – Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, pistachios, or walnuts.
- Make it spicy – A drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a fun kick.
What to Serve with Peach Bruschetta
This bruschetta makes a fantastic appetizer, but you can also turn it into a light meal with a few additions:
- Pair with a crisp green salad (arugula + lemon vinaigrette works beautifully).
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon.
- Add a cheese and charcuterie board for a stunning summer spread.
Wine Pairing Ideas
If you’re serving this at a gathering, wine is a must. A few pairings I recommend:
- Rosé – Its crisp fruitiness complements the peaches.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Bright acidity balances the creamy ricotta.
- Prosecco – A sparkling option that makes everything feel festive.
Tips for Success
- Serve immediately – The bread stays perfectly crisp when you serve right after assembling.
- Don’t skip the honey – It ties all the flavors together.
- Prep smart – You can toast the bread and make the topping in advance, but don’t assemble until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the topping and toast the bread up to 2 hours in advance. Just store separately and assemble when ready.
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely. Nectarines have the same sweetness and flavor, just without the fuzz.
Can I grill the bread instead of baking?
Yes! Brush with garlic butter and grill for 1–2 minutes per side until crisp and charred.
What if I don’t like ricotta?
You can use mascarpone, cream cheese, or goat cheese instead. Each adds a slightly different flavor profile but still works beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this peach bruschetta comes from contrast. Every bite gives you:
- Creamy and rich ricotta
- Juicy and sweet peaches
- Savory garlic bread
- Fresh basil and tangy tomato
- A touch of sweetness from honey
It’s that balance that makes this such a crowd-pleaser.
Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta & Honey
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush rolls with garlic butter, bake for 8–10 min.
- Mix peach, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread ricotta on toasted bread, top with peach mixture.
- Drizzle with honey. Serve immediately.
