Easy fresh fruit bruschetta appetizers

Bruschetta is a popular and easy appetizer, perfect for just about any type of entertaining. Have you ever considered serving bruschetta made with fresh fruit? Try this for your next gathering — you'll have a hit on your hands!

Freshen up!

Fresh, simple, delightful!

Most people serve bruschetta with a vegetable topping or maybe with fresh herbs and olive oil. We love those options, but why stop there? These fresh fruits of the season pair perfectly with a variety of spreadable cheeses and a French baguette and are super-simple to put together.

Cream cheese banana-almond crunch

The simplicity of these flavors work well together. The crunchy almonds are a nice touch!

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread (baguettes work well), sliced about 1/2-inch thick
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 5 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 banana for garnish, sliced in 1/4–inch rounds

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mash the bananas with the back of a fork. Add the the cream cheese and mix well.
2. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
3. Toast the bread, then top it with the banana cream cheese mixture.
4. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of each slice of bread.
5. Garnish with the banana slices.

Try this recipe for zucchini, ricotta and mint canapés >>

Mascarpone with strawberry and basil-balsamic topping

The sweetness of the strawberries is the perfect match for the tart balsamic dressing.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread (baguettes work well), sliced about 1/2-inch thick
• 5 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
• 8 strawberries, sliced
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 basil leaves, sliced in ribbons

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the balsamic and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the basil ribbons and strawberries and allow the mixture to sit for about half an hour.
3. Toast the bread, then spread each slice with a little more than one tablespoon of the mascarpone.
4. Add a few of the basil ribbons from the mixture to the top of the cheese, then spoon the strawberries and arrange several slices on top.
5. Drizzle with a bit of the balsamic if you'd like.

Check out these super health benefits of strawberries >>

Ricotta with blackberries and honey

It doesn't get any easier than this! The honey is an ideal choice for the ricotta cheese, and the blackberries make an impressive, juicy topping.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread (baguettes work well), sliced about 1/2-inch thick
• 5 tablespoons ricotta cheese
• 16 blackberries
• 1/4-1/2 cup honey to drizzle

Directions:

1. Toast the bread, then top with the ricotta cheese.
2. Drizzle some of the honey over the cheese, and top with four or five blackberries. Drizzle a bit more honey over the top of the berries.

Take advantage of the season's fruit! Make a simple switch for appetizers that your guests will love!

More summer appetizer recipes to try

Two ways to make bruschetta
Sweet mango summer salsa
Grilled appetizers