Grilled Peach & Zucchini Ricotta Toast Recipe – Easy Summer Appetizer

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Grilled Peach & Zucchini Ricotta Toast Recipe – Easy Summer Appetizer

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, summer means simple, fresh flavors and spending as much time outdoors as possible. I stumbled upon this Grilled Peach & Zucchini Ricotta Toast recipe last year, and it’s become my go-to appetizer for everything from casual backyard get-togethers to just a light, satisfying snack on a warm evening. It’s seriously that good. And surprisingly easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average toast. The sweetness of grilled peaches paired with the slightly smoky zucchini, creamy ricotta, and a little crunch? It’s a flavor explosion! It’s quick to make – perfect when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a beautiful dish, and honestly, food just tastes better when it looks good, right?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful appetizer:

• 1 loaf French Baguette
• 1 cup whipped ricotta cheese
• 4 peaches
• 1 zucchini
• 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon zest
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Basil leaves
• Honey/balsamic glaze
• Roasted peanuts

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. A few things make a real difference here.

• Whipped Ricotta: Seriously, use whipped ricotta if you can find it. It’s so much lighter and fluffier than regular ricotta, and spreads like a dream. If you can’t find it, you can whip regular ricotta with a splash of milk until it’s smooth.
• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds so much flavor. I love using one with a fruity aroma.
• Seasonal Peaches: This recipe shines with ripe, in-season peaches. They’re sweeter and more flavorful. If peaches aren’t in season, you could try nectarines as a substitute, but peaches are really the star here.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 300°C (that’s the broil setting!). Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on a baking tray.
2. Drizzle the bread with olive oil, and season with a little salt and pepper. Pop it under the broiler for about 1 minute per side, until it’s nice and crispy. Keep a close eye on it – it burns quickly!
3. While the bread is toasting, heat up your grill or grill pan. Brush the peach slices with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, until you get those lovely grill marks.
4. Repeat the grilling process with the zucchini slices. You want them to be tender-crisp – not mushy!
5. In a bowl, mix the whipped ricotta with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens!
6. Now for the fun part: spread the ricotta mixture onto the toasted bread. Then, layer the grilled peaches and zucchini on top.
7. Garnish with crushed peanuts, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the grill! Work in batches to ensure the peaches and zucchini get those beautiful grill marks.
• A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top really elevates the flavors.
• If you’re using a grill pan indoors, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ricotta for a vegan ricotta alternative (cashew-based ricotta works beautifully!). And use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use a gluten-free baguette! There are some really good ones available these days.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny sprinkle of red chili flakes to the ricotta mixture for a little kick. It’s delicious!
• Festival Adaptation: This makes a fantastic light bite for summer gatherings. You can even assemble them ahead of time (but add the basil right before serving to keep it fresh).

Serving Suggestions

These toasts are perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a fancy snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of chilled rosé or a refreshing iced tea. I often serve them alongside a simple green salad.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, these are best enjoyed immediately. The bread will get soggy if you try to store them. However, you can grill the peaches and zucchini ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat them slightly before assembling the toasts.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Is this toast best served immediately? Absolutely! The crispy bread is key, and it loses its texture quickly.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta? You can, but ricotta is really the star here. Cream cheese would be the closest substitute, but it won’t have the same light and airy texture.

What if I don’t have a grill – can I use a frying pan? Yes, definitely! A frying pan works just fine. You won’t get the grill marks, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Can I prepare the peaches and zucchini ahead of time? Yes, you can grill them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

What kind of baguette works best for this recipe? A classic French baguette is ideal. You want something with a good crust and a slightly chewy interior.