Grilled Peach Crostini Recipe

There’s something truly special about the way Grilled Peach Crostini captures the essence of summer—warm, caramelized peaches layered over golden, toasted baguette slices with a creamy spread of ricotta and just a kiss of honey. I’ve made these for everything from casual backyard BBQs to more elegant wine nights with close friends, and they never last long.

The contrast of sweet peaches with tangy cheese is downright addictive, and the simplicity of the ingredients lets each flavor shine. Grilled Peach Crostini is one of those recipes that feels effortless but looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting it. Whether it’s your first time grilling fruit or you’ve made crostini a hundred different ways, this Grilled Peach Crostini will become your go-to when peach season rolls around.

Why Grilled Peach Crostini is Perfect for Summer

When summer stone fruit is at its peak, I always turn to this Grilled Peach Crostini—it’s the kind of recipe that brings out the best in fresh peaches. Grilling them deepens their natural sweetness and adds just the right hint of smokiness, which pairs so beautifully with creamy cheese on crisp, toasted bread.

What I love most about Grilled Peach Crostini is how effortlessly elegant it feels, whether I’m serving it at a garden party, packing it up for a picnic, or setting it out as a light bite before dinner. It’s become one of my go-to peach recipes because it looks fancy, tastes incredible, and comes together without a fuss. Grilled Peach Crostini really is that versatile summer appetizer I find myself making again and again.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Benefits and Serving Suggestions
• Creative Variations and Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
• The Secret to Irresistible Grilled Peach Crostini (Just Like the Restaurants!)
• FAQ
• Why Grilled Peach Crostini Deserves a Spot at Every Summer Gathering
• Related
• Pairing
• Grilled Peach Crostini Recipe

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to create this delicious summer crostini appetizer:

For the Crostini Base:

• Baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch pieces
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic, halved
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Grilled Peaches:

• Fresh peaches, ripe but firm
• Olive oil for brushing
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar

For the Cheese Mixture:

• Whole milk ricotta cheese
• Goat cheese, softened
• Honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Balsamic glaze
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Substitution Notes:

• Can't find ricotta? Cream cheese works beautifully in this peach and cheese pairing
• For a vegan crostini recipe, substitute the cheese mixture with cashew cream or vegan ricotta
• Gluten-free crostini ideas: Use gluten-free baguette or sturdy gluten-free crackers
• No fresh basil? Try mint leaves for a refreshing twist

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing the Toasted Crostini

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice your crusty baguette into diagonal pieces about ½-inch thick – you should get about 16-20 slices depending on the size of your baguette.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. This olive oil brushing creates that perfect golden, crispy texture we're after.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crostini are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the oven and immediately rub one side of each slice with the cut garlic cloves while they're still warm. This gives the bread a subtle garlic flavor that won't overpower the sweet peaches.
6. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and set aside to cool.

Creating the Perfect Cheese Spread

1. While your crostini cool, combine the ricotta cheese and softened goat cheese in a medium bowl.
2. Use a fork or whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the honey, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture.
4. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the texture is smooth.
5. Taste the mixture and adjust the honey if you prefer a sweeter base for your peach burrata crostini variation.
6. If your mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream. If it's too thin, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

Grilling the Star Ingredient

1. Cut your fresh peaches in half and remove the pits. If your peaches are very ripe, leave the skin on for extra color and nutrition.
2. For easier handling, you can peel them first by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds (optional).
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet works perfectly for this stovetop grilled fruit method.
4. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil.
5. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill.
6. Grill for 3-4 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the peaches start to caramelize.
7. Flip the peaches and grill for another 2-3 minutes. The peaches should be tender but still hold their shape.
8. Remove from heat and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges.
9. While the peaches are still warm, drizzle them with honey and balsamic vinegar. This creates a gorgeous glaze that adds depth to the natural peach flavor.

Assembly Magic

1. Spread a generous layer of the ricotta and goat cheese mixture on each piece of toasted crostini. Don't be shy with the cheese – it's the creamy foundation that balances the sweet peaches.
2. Top each crostini with 2-3 slices of the caramelized peaches, arranging them slightly overlapping for visual appeal.
3. Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the peaches – the aromatic basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that makes these gourmet appetizers truly special.
4. Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over each crostini.
5. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if using.
6. Add a few cracks of fresh black pepper for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
7. Serve immediately while the crostini are still crispy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Peach Crostini

Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm – they should give slightly to pressure but not be mushy. Overripe peaches will fall apart on the grill, while underripe ones won't develop that beautiful caramelized flavor we're after.

If you're making these for a large gathering, you can prepare components ahead of time. The crostini can be toasted up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. The cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Grill the peaches just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

For barbecue appetizers that really shine, try grilling your baguette slices directly on the grill grates for 1-2 minutes per side instead of using the oven. This adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the grilled peaches.

Dietary Benefits and Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Peach Crostini and ricotta crostini offers more than just incredible flavor – it's packed with nutritional benefits too. Fresh peaches provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while ricotta cheese contributes protein and calcium. The combination makes for a satisfying appetizer that won't leave your guests reaching for unhealthy snacks.

These wine night snacks pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For red wine lovers, try them with a light Pinot Noir. If you're serving them as part of a larger spread, they complement other summer appetizers like caprese skewers, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or grilled vegetable platters.

Creative Variations and Substitutions

The basic grilled peach crostini recipe is just the beginning – there are countless ways to make it your own:

• Grilled Peach Burrata Crostini: Replace the ricotta mixture with creamy burrata cheese for an ultra-luxurious version that's perfect for special occasions.
• Peach and Brie Crostini: Swap the goat cheese for creamy brie and add a drizzle of fig jam alongside the honey for a sophisticated twist.
• Prosciutto Crostini Addition: Add a thin slice of prosciutto between the cheese and peaches for a savory element that makes these suitable as a light meal.
• Grilled Nectarine Crostini: Can't find perfect peaches? Nectarines work equally well and don't require peeling.
• Oven-Baked Peach Crostini: No grill? Roast halved peaches in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and tender.

For those following special diets, this Grilled Peach Crostini recipe adapts beautifully. Create vegan versions using cashew cream instead of dairy cheese, or make it keto-friendly by serving the grilled peach and cheese mixture in lettuce cups instead of on bread.

Equipment

While you don't need fancy equipment for this easy grilled appetizer, a few key tools will make the process smoother:

A sharp serrated knife is crucial for slicing the baguette cleanly without crushing it. A good grill pan with ridges will give you those beautiful grill marks even if you're cooking indoors. A pastry brush makes it easy to get even olive oil coverage on your crostini.

If you're making this for a crowd, a large rimmed baking sheet will let you toast multiple crostini at once. A small offset spatula or butter knife works perfectly for spreading the cheese mixture evenly.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While grilled peach crostini are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead for stress-free entertaining. Store leftover assembled crostini in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the bread will lose some of its crispness.

The cheese mixture keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually improves in flavor as the ingredients meld together. Grilled peaches can be stored for 2-3 days and are delicious cold or at room temperature.

For homemade appetizer prep, toast your crostini up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. This makes assembly quick and easy when guests arrive.

FAQ

Why Grilled Peach Crostini Deserves a Spot at Every Summer Gathering

Grilled Peach Crostini is proof that unforgettable flavor doesn’t need to be complicated—just thoughtful. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of technique, you can serve up appetizers that feel elegant, taste luxurious, and still leave you plenty of time to enjoy your guests. This Grilled Peach Crostini recipe is one of those summer staples I turn to again and again, especially when I want something that looks beautiful on the table but doesn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen.

For more sunny, fruit-forward inspiration, try pairing it with my Fresh Blueberry Peach Feta Salad or these fun and refreshing Watermelon Feta Skewers—two more seasonal favorites that celebrate the sweet-salty combo we all love. Whether it’s your first time grilling peaches or you’ve been making crostini for years, this is one of those recipes that always makes people smile (and reach for seconds).

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Grilled Peach Crostini recipe: