This Christmas Bruschetta Wreath is a stunning holiday appetizer that brings freshness, color, and elegance to your table with almost zero effort. Made with crunchy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, this wreath is as beautiful as it is delicious. The simple flavors of Italy come together in a festive presentation that instantly elevates your holiday spread. It’s easy to assemble, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to impress everyone the moment it hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Holiday Showpiece: The wreath shape is visually stunning and instantly festive, it looks like something from a gourmet magazine.
• Fresh & Bright Flavors: Creamy ricotta, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil balance the richness of typical holiday dishes.
• Quick Assembly: Toast the bread, mix the topping, and arrange, it’s done in under 20 minutes.
• No-Cook Topping: Just mix tomatoes and basil, no stove required.
• Customizable: Swap ricotta for mozzarella, goat cheese, or burrata to match your taste or theme.
• Perfect for Crowds: Easy to serve, easy to refill, and always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bread
• 1 French baguette, sliced into thin rounds
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For the Ricotta Layer
• 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta (or whipped ricotta)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Topping
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional but recommended)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
• Flaky sea salt
• Fresh basil leaves
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: PREPARE THE RICOTTA
• In a bowl, mix ricotta, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Set aside.
STEP 2: MAKE THE TOMATO BASIL MIXTURE
• Combine cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (optional), salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes to develop flavor.
STEP 3: TOAST THE BAGUETTE
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
• Toast 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE WREATH
• Arrange toasted baguette slices in a circular wreath shape on a large round platter or board, slightly overlapping them.
• Spread each slice generously with the ricotta mixture.
• Spoon the tomato basil topping evenly over the ricotta.
• Finish with flaky sea salt and a few fresh basil leaves for decoration.
Variations
• Burrata Wreath: Replace ricotta with burrata chunks for a luxurious creamy topping.
• Pesto Drizzle: Add a swirl of basil pesto over the ricotta for deeper herb flavor.
• Whipped Goat Cheese: Mix ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier, richer version.
• Roasted Tomatoes: Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic for a sweeter, caramelized topping.
• Garlic Ricotta: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder to the ricotta mixture for extra depth.
• Add Protein: Crumbled crispy prosciutto or pancetta sprinkled over the top makes it heartier.
Cooking Notes
• Use a serrated knife for perfectly thin bread slices that toast evenly.
• Don’t over-soak the tomatoes, too much liquid can soften the bread.
• Serve immediately after assembling for maximum crispness.
• If preparing ahead: Keep ricotta and tomatoes separate and assemble just before serving.
• Whip the ricotta: Use a hand mixer for an ultra-creamy, cloud-like texture.
Serving Suggestions
• Place in the center of the table as an edible holiday centerpiece.
• Serve alongside sparkling wine, prosecco, or holiday cocktails.
• Add rosemary sprigs around the platter to mimic a real Christmas wreath.
• Pair with cured meats, olives, or a festive charcuterie spread.
• Serve with extra balsamic glaze on the side for guests to drizzle.
Tips
• Use high-quality olive oil for bold flavor.
• Add the basil just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
• Choose firm cherry tomatoes, they release less water.
• If bread softens, pop the assembled wreath into a hot oven for 2–3 minutes.
• For extra sparkle, sprinkle a little parmesan or flaky salt over the top.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 180 calories – 6g protein – 9g fat – 18g carbs
FAQs
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
- You can toast the bread and mix the tomatoes ahead, but assemble right before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Can I use mozzarella instead of ricotta?
- Yes! Fresh mozzarella slices or mozzarella pearls work beautifully, just layer them under the tomatoes.
What if I can’t find cherry tomatoes?
- Use diced Roma tomatoes, but make sure to remove excess seeds and liquid to prevent sogginess.
Can this be made gluten-free?
- Absolutely, use gluten-free baguette slices or crackers arranged in a wreath shape.
How can I keep the bread crisp longer?
- Brush the bread lightly with olive oil before toasting and avoid overloading each piece with tomato juices.
Conclusion
This Christmas Bruschetta Wreath is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and spectacular presentation. Fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious, it makes an unforgettable addition to any holiday gathering. The creamy ricotta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together on a crunchy toasted base for a festive bite your guests will love. With minimal effort and maximum visual impact, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite you’ll return to year after year.