# What You'll Need:
→ For the Crostini
01 - 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (approximately 8 pieces)
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 garlic clove, whole for rubbing
06 - Fine sea salt to taste
→ For the Roasted Vegetables
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
08 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 small red onion, diced
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - Salt to taste
→ For Topping
16 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
18 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, optional
19 - Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine diced zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Toss until evenly coated and spread on the prepared baking sheet.
02 - Place baking sheet in preheated oven and roast vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until vegetables are charred and tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
03 - While vegetables roast, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
04 - Arrange baguette slices on a second baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each slice with the garlic butter mixture on both sides. Bake at 425°F for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
05 - Remove crostini from oven. While still warm, rub the top surface of each crostini with the whole garlic clove to infuse additional garlic flavor.
06 - Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese on each crostini as a base layer. Top each piece with equal portions of roasted vegetables, distributing them evenly across the surface.
07 - Drizzle each crostini with balsamic glaze if desired. Sprinkle with fresh basil slices and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while crostini maintain their crisp texture.
