Grilled Rainier Cherry Crostini

Skill level: Easy

These grilled cherry ricotta crostini are a fresh, sweet, and savory appetizer made with Rainier cherries, whipped ricotta, and toasted French bread. The cherries are lightly charred on the grill, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta. Finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh basil, this easy crostini recipe delivers a balanced bite with bright, seasonal flavor. Perfect for entertaining or summer gatherings, it’s a simple yet elevated appetizer that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 2 cups pitted Rainier cherries
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Zest from one lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Basil for topping (torn or sliced thin)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for brushing crostini

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium heat
2. Add cherries to a bowl with one tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and toss to combine.
3. Slice the bread into ½-inch-thick pieces and brush both sides of the crostini with olive oil.
4. Place cherries in a vegetable basket for the grill or onto aluminum foil. Place cherries on the grill and cook for 10 minutes, until they begin to soften and char slightly.
5. While cherries cook, add crostinis to the grill and char for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Meanwhile, whip ricotta by adding ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to a stand mixer. Mix until creamy and smooth.
7. Remove the cherries and bread from the grill, then spread some whipped ricotta onto each crostini.
8. Add a spoonful of the grilled cherries on top of the ricotta, drizzle with extra honey, and garnish with fresh basil.
9. Serve immediately.

Recipe created by My Diary of Us for Superfresh Growers.