You know that moment in July when the air’s thick, your sundress is sticking to the back of your thighs, and you’re like… “I don’t want to cook. I don’t even want to think.”
Yeah. Me too.
But also? I still want something that tastes like a vacation. Like, “I’m sitting on a porch in Tuscany but it’s actually my messy backyard and there’s a mosquito buzzing near my ear” kind of vibe.
That’s where this peach bruschetta comes in.
Not just any bruschetta. We’re talking sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, garlic that doesn’t hold back, and this dreamy whipped ricotta that makes you go, “Wait… did I just eat bread or a cloud?”
And look, I’ve made a lot of questionable life choices (remember that time I tried to can peaches and ended up with jam on the ceiling?), but this recipe? Solid. 10/10. No regrets.
Let’s get into it.
It’s simple: summer flavors, zero drama.
Peaches are sweet. Tomatoes are tangy. Garlic says “I’m here, baby.” Basil brings the herbal freshness like it’s its job (it kind of is). Ricotta cools everything down like the chill friend who says, “Relax, we got this.”
The crostini crunch? Non-negotiable. You need that contrast. Soft topping, crispy base. It’s like texture therapy.
And the best part? You don’t need to turn your kitchen into an oven sauna. Toast the bread, whip the cheese, toss the fruit, done.
Also, people lose their minds over this. Like, “Who made this? Are you opening a restaurant?” levels of hype.
Spoiler: I am not opening a restaurant. I burn water. But this? This I can do.
Let’s break it down. No fluff. Just real talk about what goes in the bowl.
1 baguette, thinly sliced
You need something sturdy. Crusty on the outside, soft-ish inside. Baguette’s the MVP here. Sourdough works too, but honestly? Baguette’s got the crunch this needs. Don’t skimp on thickness—½ inch is perfect. Too thin and it shatters. Too thick and you’re chewing for days.
¼ cup unsalted butter
For toasting the bread. Unsalted so you control the salt. Melty, golden, garlicky—this is the foundation. If you’re feeling wild, swap in some garlic confit butter (I did this once with leftover confit from a failed stew attempt—turns out failure can be delicious).
4 garlic cloves, minced
Half goes in the butter. Half goes in the topping. Garlic isn’t shy here. It’s front row, center stage. If you’re afraid of garlic breath… well, same. But worth it.
Kosher salt and pepper
Seasoning isn’t optional. Salt pulls out the juice from the peaches and tomatoes, wakes up the basil, makes the ricotta sing. Freshly cracked pepper? Adds a little kick. Don’t skip it.
1 pint tomatoes, chopped
Roma, cherry, heirloom—whatever’s ripe. Just make sure they’re not sad and mealy. You want that pop of juice when you bite. If your tomatoes taste like cardboard, maybe wait a week. Farmer’s market > grocery store, usually.
3 medium ripe peaches, diced
This is the star. Ripe, but not falling apart. You want them sweet, a little floral, slightly firm so they don’t turn to mush. If they’re rock hard? Let ‘em sit on the counter. If they’re oozing? You waited too long. I’ve been there. No shame.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Drizzled into the fruit mix. Not for cooking—this is finisher oil. Good quality. The kind that makes you go, “Huh. That actually tastes like olives.”
½ lemon, freshly squeezed
Keeps the peaches from browning. Brightens everything. Without it, the mix is flat. Like a soda with no fizz. Fresh squeeze only. Bottled lemon juice? Don’t even.
1 big handful fresh basil leaves, chiffonade or chopped
Basil is the soul of this thing. It’s sweet, a little peppery, and smells like summer rain. Chop it last. Toss it in right before serving. Wilting basil is a tragedy.
1 cup ricotta cheese
Whole milk ricotta, please. Not the watery kind. You want rich, creamy, slightly grainy (in a good way). This gets whipped until smooth—like ricotta’s going on a first date and wants to look nice.
Balsamic glaze, for topping
Optional, but… why would you skip it? It’s sweet, tangy, looks fancy. Drizzle it on like you’re an artist. A messy, slightly stressed artist, but still.
No peaches? Try nectarines. Same energy.
No ricotta? Goat cheese works. So does mascarpone. Even cream cheese in a pinch (don’t judge, I’ve been desperate).
Gluten-free? Use GF baguette or toast up some sturdy crackers. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still taste good.
Vegan? Oh, I see you. Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter. Skip the ricotta or use cashew ricotta (I haven’t tried it, but my hippie cousin swears by it).
Want more kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato-peach mix. Or a little finely minced shallot.
Feeling fancy? Top with prosciutto. Just a thin slice. Salty, sweet, crunchy—boom.
Or go full farmer’s market and add fresh mint with the basil. Changes the vibe. In a good way.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Or—get outside and fire up the grill. I love doing this on the grill. Smoky flavor, less heat in the kitchen. Win-win.
Slice the baguette into ½-inch rounds.
In a bowl, mash the butter and half the minced garlic together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt. Spread that garlicky butter on each slice like you’re frosting a tiny cake.
Arrange on a baking sheet.
If oven: bake 10–12 minutes, till golden and crisp.
If grill: 1–2 minutes per side, lid closed. Watch ‘em—bread burns faster than my patience on a Monday morning.
While the bread toasts, grab a bowl.
Add chopped tomatoes, diced peaches, the other half of the garlic.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Salt. Pepper. Toss. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll see the juices pooling. That’s the good stuff.
Scoop ricotta into a food processor. Blend until smooth. No processor? Use a hand mixer or just mash it hard with a fork. It’ll take longer, but hey—elbow grease builds character.
Taste it. Maybe add a pinch of salt. Or a tiny drizzle of honey if you’re feeling wild.
Transfer to a bowl. Set aside.
Once crostini are cool enough to handle:
Spread each slice with a spoonful of whipped ricotta.
Top with a generous spoonful of the peach-tomato mix.
Sprinkle with fresh basil.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if you’re feeling dramatic.
Serve. Right away. Not five minutes later. Not after you take 17 photos. Now. Because the bread starts to soften. And we can’t have that.
So. Last summer. Fourth of July.
I was at my friend Jess’s house. Her backyard, string lights, kids running around with sparklers, someone’s dog eating a hot dog off the ground. Classic.
I brought this peach bruschetta. Had made it earlier, kept the parts separate, assembled on her patio table while everyone hovered like vultures.
Her dad—82, suspicious of anything “fancy,” lives on meatloaf and instant coffee—walks over. Takes one bite.
Silence.
Then: “Well. That’s the best thing I’ve eaten all year.”
He ate four pieces.
Jess’s mom whispered, “He hasn’t eaten anything new since 1998.”
I stood there, holding a plate of half-eaten crostini, feeling like I’d cured cancer.
That’s the power of peaches and garlic, folks.
So yeah. Try this.
Make it for a party. Make it for yourself on a Tuesday night. Make it and eat it on the couch with your fingers.
It’s summer on a slice of bread.
And honestly? That’s enough.
Summer in a bite. That’s what this peach bruschetta is. Warm, crunchy garlic bread topped with sweet ripe peaches, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a cloud-like layer of whipped ricotta. It’s bright, it’s bold, it’s just the right amount of fancy without making you sweat in the kitchen.
Servings 11
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m a London-based food writer, recipe developer, and home cook who has been passionate about cooking for over 15 years. What started as a way to recreate my mother’s traditional dishes turned into a lifelong love for experimenting with flavors, writing about food, and helping others feel more confident in the kitchen.
