THIS RECIPE WAS DEVELOPED FOR INSTAGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Dillon’s, my go-to for small-batch cocktails! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Savory Roasted Cherries and Berries with Whipped Ricotta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
Description
Summer fruit deserves a place beyond the dessert table, and this Savory Roasted Cherries and Blackberries appetizer is proof.
Peak-season cherries and blackberries are quickly roasted with thyme, balsamic vinegar, and honey until juicy and jammy, then piled onto creamy whipped ricotta cheese – the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh!
Just serve with grilled bread or crackers and watch it disappear at your next summer happy hour, cookout, dinner party, or picnic!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese (about 1 cup)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 16 ounces cherries, pitted and halved
- 8 ounces blackberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (or substitute agave or pure maple syrup; see Recipe Notes)
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, ensuring a rack is positioned in the center of the oven.Â
- Roast the cherries and blackberries: Add the cherries and blackberries to a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with thyme, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, a good pinch of salt, and a few twists of black pepper. Roast 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the fruit is softened, juicy, and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, whip the ricotta: Add the ricotta to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to break it down, then process until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream and a pinch of salt, then continue processing until light, creamy, and spreadable. Add an additional tablespoon of cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spread the whipped ricotta over a large plate or platter, then spoon the juicy roasted fruit over top. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or a drizzle of honey as desired. Serve at room temperature with grilled bread or your favorite hearty crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
- Sweetness level: The amount of honey needed depends on the ripeness of your fruit. Peak-season summer cherries and blackberries may need very little added sweetness, while less-ripe fruit benefits from the full 2 tablespoons. Taste the fruit before roasting and adjust as needed.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe is best enjoyed shortly after assembly, while the roasted fruit is still slightly warm. If you’d like to prep ahead, roast the fruit and prepare the whipped ricotta up to 1 day in advance, storing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Before serving, let the ricotta sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and gently warm the fruit in the microwave, if desired, then assemble as directed.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to soften as it sits, but will still be delicious spooned over the ricotta. Enjoy chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.
