Blistered Basil Tomato Crostini

This recipe is goals. It is perfect for any occasion and any season if you ask me. It is light and bright, which is perfect for the summer; but can also be hearty and warm, which is great for the winter! Tomatoes are always delicious, but these blistered tomatoes are really on a whole new level – combined with the basil, garlic, and olive oil they produce a delicious sauce when they start to pop in the oven! This is a super simple and quick recipe to throw together for a party or just a snack. The ricotta adds a delicious creaminess with a soft flavor. Fun fact about me (not this recipe), but I actually hated tomatoes growing up – I think it was a texture thing, but I always refused to eat them and my mom had a very hard time believing that I actually didn’t like them, so she would always make me eat them! As I got older, I learned to appreciate tomatoes more and grew to love them so much!

• 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
• 4 Tbsp Basil, Chopped
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 6 Whole Garlic Cloves
• 2 Cups Ricotta
• 1 Baguette
• Salt + Pepper, to taste
• Serves: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 35 Minutes
• Total Time: 45 Minutes

To Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In an oven safe dish, add the tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Grate the garlic cloves on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix to combine well.
3. Place the tomatoes in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes until the tomatoes start bursting.
4. While the tomatoes roast, let’s prep everything else! Start by slicing the baguette in to ~1/4″ – 1/3″ slices. *you want them to be thin enough that they get crispy, but still thick enough to hold the toppings*
5. Toast the baguette slices – either on a sheet pan in the oven, in a toaster oven, or on the stove top. My preferred method is in a large pan on a stove top – for that, add a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. *repeat until all the baguette has been toasted!*
6. Last step before assembly is to make the ricotta – in a bowl, add the ricotta and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste – mix together well and set aside.
7. Once all the components are ready, let’s assemble! Take a baguette slice, add a spoonful of ricotta and spread evenly then top with a spoonful of the blistered tomatoes and sauce! Repeat until all the baguette has been used and serve!