Grilled Pesto & Ricotta Bruschetta Bites with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These Grilled Pesto & Ricotta Bruschetta Bites are a delightful and vibrant appetizer that marries the rich flavors of creamy ricotta, aromatic pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Ideal for gatherings or as a light snack, these bites are easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes. By grilling the thin pizza crusts, you achieve a crispy base, while the chilled ricotta mixture provides a refreshing contrast. Finished with freshly chopped basil, these bruschetta bites not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any appetizer platter. Perfect for entertaining, they are sure to impress your guests with their fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
small thin crust prepared pizza crust
4 (Grilled or broiled until lightly golden)
pesto sauce
8 tablespoons (For brushing on the crusts)
ricotta cheese
2 cups (Use full-fat for creaminess)
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
3/4 cup (Chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (Roughly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium heat or set your oven to a broil setting.
2
Place the small pizza crusts on the grill or a baking sheet. Grill one side of each crust until it is lightly browned and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3
Flip the crusts and brush the tops generously with pesto sauce. Grill for another minute, or just until heated through and the bottom side is lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
5
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the grilled pesto-coated crusts, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
6
Garnish each pizza bite with fresh chopped basil for a burst of color and added freshness.
7
Slice each crust into 4-6 pieces for easy serving. Enjoy these tasty appetizers warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Pesto & Ricotta Bruschetta Bites?
They are a vibrant appetizer featuring creamy ricotta, aromatic pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes on a crispy grilled pizza crust base.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 24 individual bruschetta bites.
How long does it take to prepare this appetizer?
These bites can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick entertaining.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use your oven's broiler setting to toast the pizza crusts if a grill is not available.
What type of pizza crust is recommended?
Small, thin-crust prepared pizza crusts are recommended for the best texture and bite-sized serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only cheese, vegetables, and bread products.
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use?
Full-fat ricotta cheese is recommended to ensure a rich and creamy texture.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and chop them before mixing them into the ricotta.
When should I add the pesto sauce?
Brush the pesto sauce onto the crusts after flipping them during the grilling process.
How do I season the ricotta mixture?
Mix the ricotta with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the best way to serve these bites?
Slice each crust into 4 to 6 pieces and serve them either warm or at room temperature.
What garnish is used for these bruschetta bites?
Freshly chopped basil is used as a garnish for added color and a burst of freshness.
How many pizza crusts do I need?
You will need 4 small thin-crust prepared pizza crusts.
How much pesto is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of pesto sauce.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely, homemade pesto can be used and will provide a wonderful aromatic flavor.
How long should I grill the first side of the crust?
Grill the first side for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until it is lightly browned and crispy.
Should the ricotta mixture be heated?
No, the ricotta mixture is spread over the warm grilled crusts, providing a refreshing temperature contrast.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need 2 cups of ricotta cheese for this recipe.
Can these be made in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and grill the crusts just before serving.
What type of salt is best for seasoning?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the ricotta cheese mixture.
Is this a light snack or a heavy appetizer?
It is a light but flavorful snack, perfect for serving as a starter at a dinner party.
How much fresh basil should I use?
Use about 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil for garnishing.
What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
You can use dry sun-dried tomatoes, but you may want to rehydrate them in a little olive oil first for better texture.
Does the recipe require any cooking oil?
No additional cooking oil is needed, as the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes already contain oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including the crust, pesto, cheese, tomatoes, seasonings, and basil.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a crispy, toasted base topped with a smooth, creamy cheese mixture.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, you could add a balsamic glaze drizzle or some red pepper flakes for extra zip.
Is it necessary to preheat the grill?
Yes, preheating the grill to medium heat ensures the crusts crisp up quickly without burning.
What size are the 'small' pizza crusts?
Small crusts are typically around 6 to 8 inches in diameter, perfect for slicing into appetizer portions.
Why grill the crusts?
Grilling provides a smoky flavor and a superior crunch that balances the creamy ricotta topping.