This post has been sponsored by Gallo Salame, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gourmet Summer Appetizer: Easy Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini Recipe

As the long-awaited warm months of summer finally arrive, there’s an undeniable thrill in diving into the season’s vibrant flavors. For me, this often translates into a delightful exploration of sweet and salty combinations, and this Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini recipe perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, where crunchy baguette meets creamy ricotta, savory Gallo Salame® Italian Dry Salame, and the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches, all finished with a tangy balsamic glaze and fragrant basil. This crostini isn’t just a snack; it’s the ultimate summer bite, a delicious appetizer ideal for al fresco dining, effortlessly serving 8 to 10 guests.

The Perfect Harmony: Why Sweet and Savory Reign Supreme in Summer

Summer evokes a sense of lightness, joy, and a desire for refreshing, yet satisfying, meals. This Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini hits all the right notes, demonstrating why the sweet and savory pairing is a timeless classic, especially during warmer months. The natural tart sweetness of fresh peaches, bursting with sunshine and flavor, creates an extraordinary counterpoint to the rich, salty, and subtly herbaceous notes of Gallo Salame®. This combination isn’t just good; it’s an explosion of flavor that will ignite your taste buds, truly a fireworks show in every bite!

Beyond the delightful taste, this crostini offers a fantastic interplay of textures. The crisp, golden crunch of the toasted baguette provides the perfect foundation. This is followed by the luxurious, cooling creaminess of fresh ricotta, which acts as a gentle buffer between the bolder flavors. The delicate slices of salame introduce a satisfying chew and a depth of savory spice, while the tender, juicy peaches add a vibrant burst of fruit. A drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze introduces a complex tang, and the final flourish of fresh basil uplifts the entire experience with its aromatic, peppery zest. It’s a multifaceted bite that feels both gourmet and incredibly approachable, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering.

The Unmistakable Quality of Gallo Salame® Italian Dry Salame

When selecting ingredients for a recipe that hinges on a delicate balance of flavors, the quality of each component is paramount. That’s precisely why Gallo Salame® Italian Dry Salame is my top choice for this summer snack, and why I always pick it up at Safeway. The reason is simple: it’s all about the exceptional flavor and the heritage behind it. This isn’t just any salame; it’s a testament to authentic Italian tradition and craftsmanship.

The distinctive, deli-fresh flavor of Gallo Salame® comes from a meticulous process refined over generations. It begins with high-quality, hand-trimmed meat, carefully prepared to ensure superior texture and taste. This premium meat is then slowly cured for weeks, allowing the flavors to develop depth and complexity. The real secret, however, lies in the proprietary blend of Italian herbs and spices—a treasured recipe that has been passed down through the generations. This unique combination is what gives Gallo Salame® its rich, savory, and perfectly herbaceous profile, making it truly stand out from other brands. Its robust, slightly spicy character provides the ideal savory anchor, beautifully complementing the sweet peaches and creamy ricotta, and transforming each crostini into an unforgettable culinary experience. This unwavering commitment to quality and tradition makes Gallo Salame® the perfect choice for elevating your appetizers.

Gather Your Essential Ingredients for This Summer Crostini

Creating these exquisite Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few fresh and high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building the perfect harmonious bite:

• French Baguette: Start with a fresh, crusty French baguette. When sliced and toasted, it provides the essential crispy base that holds all the delicious toppings. Look for one that’s firm but not overly hard, as it will become perfectly crunchy when broiled.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used to brush the baguette slices before toasting. It adds a subtle fruity note and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness.
• Balsamic Vinegar & Brown Sugar: These two ingredients are the foundation for our quick and easy balsamic glaze. The vinegar provides a tangy depth, while brown sugar adds sweetness, creating a thick, glossy reduction that beautifully complements the peaches and salame. A touch of black pepper stirred in at the end adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Gallo Salame® Italian Dry Salame: As the savory star, this premium salame brings its unique blend of salty, herbaceous, and robust flavor. Its thinly sliced texture makes it perfect for crostini.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: For unparalleled creaminess and a rich, delicate dairy flavor, opt for whole milk ricotta. Its smooth texture provides a wonderful contrast to the crunchy bread and savory salame, and it serves as a cooling element against the sweet peaches.
• Fresh Peaches: The quintessential summer fruit! Choose ripe, fragrant peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture are absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect sweet-and-salty balance in this dish. Peeling them is recommended for a smoother texture.
• Fresh Basil: A vibrant sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh basil is the finishing touch. Its aromatic, slightly peppery notes elevate the entire crostini, adding a burst of freshness that truly makes it taste like summertime.

Remember, the fresher your ingredients, the more exquisite your crostini will be. And for smart shopping, don’t forget to check your Safeway mobile app for coupons before you head to the store!

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini

Crafting these delectable crostini is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to bring this summer appetizer to life.

1. Toast the Bread to Golden Perfection

Begin by slicing your French baguette into even rounds, approximately ½-inch thick. This ensures uniform toasting and bite-sized portions. Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil, which contributes to flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden crispness. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap, which could lead to uneven toasting. Place them under a preheated broiler set to high for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a very close watch, as broilers can quickly turn bread from perfectly golden to burnt. You’re aiming for a lovely toasted, golden-brown finish. Once achieved, promptly remove the baking sheet from the oven and set the toasted bread aside to cool slightly. This cooling time will help them crisp up further.

2. Prepare the Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Glaze

The balsamic glaze is a crucial component that adds a wonderful layer of sweet and tangy flavor. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is for the liquid to thicken into a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Once it has reached your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the black pepper; this subtle addition enhances the glaze with a hint of warmth and complexity. Set the glaze aside to cool, as it will thicken slightly more as it cools down, achieving the perfect drizzling consistency.

3. Assemble Your Delicious Crostini

Now comes the most exciting part – assembling these flavor-packed bites! Take each perfectly toasted baguette slice and generously dollop about 1-2 teaspoons of creamy whole milk ricotta on top. Gently spread the ricotta towards the edges of the bread. Next, take your Gallo Salame® Italian Dry Salame slices, which you’ve cut in half (forming neat half-moons), and artfully arrange two halves over the ricotta on each crostini. The salame fits perfectly, providing that rich, savory layer. Then, scatter a spoonful of your fresh, chopped peaches over the salame, distributing them evenly across all the crostini. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of your homemade balsamic glaze over the peaches and salame. The grand finale is a sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh basil, which adds an aromatic, peppery finish, truly making these crostini taste like a bite of pure summer!

Seeking more delightful starter ideas? Explore my appetizer recipe page for a wealth of inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Crostini

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

While fresh, ripe peaches undeniably offer the most vibrant flavor and optimal texture for this crostini, you can certainly use frozen peaches, especially when fresh ones are out of season. If you choose to go this route, be sure to purchase peeled and sliced peaches for convenience. It’s crucial to thaw them completely before use to prevent any ice crystals from making your crostini watery. Once thawed, thoroughly drain any excess liquid, perhaps even gently patting them dry with a paper towel, to prevent your baguette from becoming soggy. They’ll still contribute a lovely sweetness and fruity note to your appetizer, though the texture might be slightly softer than fresh.

Do I have to peel the peaches?

For the best eating experience with this particular Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini recipe, I highly recommend peeling the peaches. The smooth, tender texture of peeled peaches blends seamlessly with the creamy ricotta and delicate salame, ensuring a more refined and enjoyable bite. Peach skins, while perfectly edible and full of nutrients, can sometimes have a slightly fuzzy or chewy texture that might detract from the otherwise smooth and soft components of this appetizer. However, if you’re short on time, prefer to save a step, or simply don’t mind the texture of the skin, you absolutely can skip this step! The crostini will still be delicious and full of flavor.

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?

Crostini, with their emphasis on crisp bread, are always best served freshly assembled to ensure maximum crunch and prevent sogginess. However, you can definitely prepare several components in advance to make serving easier. The balsamic glaze can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The baguette slices can be toasted a few hours before serving; once cooled, store them at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain some crispness. The peaches can be peeled and chopped an hour or two in advance and kept refrigerated. I highly recommend assembling the crostini no more than 30 minutes before serving. This timing ensures the bread remains crisp and the fresh ingredients are at their peak.

What are some delightful variations I can try?

This Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for creative variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to customize your crostini and explore new flavor profiles:

• Add a Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, or even candied walnuts can add an extra layer of delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
• Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil is classic, consider swapping it out or adding a small amount of fresh mint or thyme. These herbs offer different aromatic profiles that can complement the sweetness of the peaches.
• A Hint of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the ricotta before adding other toppings can introduce an intriguing spicy note.
• Drizzle with Honey: For an extra layer of sweetness, a light drizzle of good quality honey over the finished crostini, either in addition to or instead of the balsamic glaze, can enhance the natural sugars of the peaches.
• Cheese Alternatives: While whole milk ricotta provides an unparalleled creamy texture, you could experiment with a very thin layer of mascarpone for a richer, sweeter cream, or even a soft goat cheese for a tangier, more pungent flavor profile.
• Grill the Peaches: For a smoky depth, quickly grill or pan-sear the peach slices before chopping and adding them. This caramelizes their sugars and adds a unique dimension.

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to elegantly conclude your meal, consider making roasted peaches – it’s an easy, delicious option that perfectly continues the luscious summer peach theme!

We hope you enjoy crafting and savoring these exquisite Salame Peach Ricotta Crostini. They are truly a celebration of summer flavors and are sure to become a beloved staple in your entertaining repertoire!