Tomato Ricotta Toast
Creamy, savory, and effortlessly satisfying, this Ricotta Toast is anything but ordinary. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a tasty snack, it's quick to make and delivers every time.
Ricotta cheese toast is the kind of flavor-packed bite you'll crave on repeat, especially when layered with creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of herb garlic butter. This combo is one of my go-tos when I want something fresh yet indulgent, ready in under 15 minutes. With seasoned ricotta, crisp sourdough, and crunchy seeds, it's simple and satisfying.
It's perfect paired with a summer soup like a bowl of this creamy potato leek soup but works equally well in the fall or winter with this turkey and barley soup.
Why This Recipe Rocks!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep, this ricotta toast recipe is perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons.
- Big on Flavor: Creamy ricotta cheese on toast with garlicky butter and juicy tomatoes packs every bite with savory goodness.
- Customizable: Swap in different herbs, breads, or toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Bread: Choose a sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or whole grain to hold up under the creamy toppings without getting soggy.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh, creamy ricotta for the best texture and mild flavor. Whole-milk ricotta provides a rich, smooth taste, while part-skim is a lighter alternative. You can also blend cottage cheese as well for a slightly tangier and less sweet flavor.
- Tomatoes: Heirloom or cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness to balance the creamy ricotta. Cherry tomatoes are especially convenient for quick slicing or halving.
- Black Cumin: Also known as nigella seeds, black cumin adds a unique, slightly peppery earthiness that really complements the creamy ricotta.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling-it adds fruity richness that complements the ricotta and tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil or Thyme: Fresh herbs brighten the dish with fragrant notes and a pop of color. Basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes, while thyme offers a more subtle earthiness.
Check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and quantities of each one.
Dietary Modifications & Variations
- Add a Protein Boost: Top your ricotta toast with a soft-boiled egg, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon for extra protein and a heartier meal.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the ricotta for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or almond ricotta, and replace the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil-based spread for a dairy-free twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of sourdough or whole grain to keep this savory ricotta toast suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
- Spice It Up: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the tomatoes to add a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor.
- Herb Mix-Ins: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or tarragon in the garlic butter or sprinkled on top to customize the herbal notes.
How to Make Ricotta Toast
Get ready to whip up this delicious ricotta on toast in just a few simple steps. Gather all of your ingredients so you can enjoy this savory snack in no time.
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter: Mix together the softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: Stir together the ricotta cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and black cumin. This adds a nice crunch and a hint of earthiness to the creamy cheese.
Step 3: Toast the Bread: Toast your slices of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread until they are golden brown and crispy. This creates the perfect base that holds up to the toppings without getting soggy.
Step 4: Spread the Cheese and Butter: Start by spreading a thin layer of the garlic butter on each toasted slice. Then, generously dollop and spread the ricotta seed mixture over the butter for a creamy, savory layer.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Season: Top each slice with fresh tomato slices or halved cherry tomatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Expert Tips
- Room Temperature Ricotta: Let the ricotta come to room temperature before spreading to ensure it's creamy and easy to work with. Cold ricotta can be stiff and harder to spread evenly.
- Crisp Toast is Key: Toast the bread until it's nicely golden and crisp to prevent sogginess once you add the ricotta and tomatoes. A sturdy bread, like sourdough, works best.
- Choose Firm Tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes to avoid excess moisture that can make the toast soggy. If tomatoes are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before topping.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Assemble the toast right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy. If you need to prep ahead, keep components separate and combine them just before eating.
- Storage Tip: Leftover garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Store any leftover ricotta separately and use within 2 days for best freshness.
Soup-er Toppings & Serving Suggestions
- This savory ricotta toast is incredibly versatile and works well for breakfast, a light lunch, or a simple weeknight dinner. Pair it with a warm bowl of lasagna soup or ham and white bean soup.
- This toast is great for potlucks alongside your favorite crowd-pleasing sides like fried goat cheese balls.
- To add more flavor and texture, try topping your ricotta toast with extras like a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.
Recipe FAQs
It's best to toast the bread and prepare the toppings separately if making ahead. Keep the garlic butter and ricotta mixture refrigerated, then assemble the toast just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Make sure to toast the bread thoroughly until golden and crispy, and assemble the toppings just before serving to keep the toast crunchy.
You can omit black cumin or substitute with a small pinch of ground cumin or nigella seeds for a similar earthy flavor.
Tomato & Ricotta Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices rustic sourdough or whole grain bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ripe tomatoes heirloom or cherry tomatoes work well
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon black cumin
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil or thyme leaves optional
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 shallot
- Fresh dill
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Let the butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the butter, shallots, garlic, dill, and salt to taste.
- Blend until you have a thick spreadable mixture.
Toast the Bread:
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crispy. You can use an air fryer, toaster, oven, or grill pan.
Prep the Ricotta:
- If desired, season the ricotta with a pinch of salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and black cumin.
Assemble the Toast:
- Spread thiny layer with garlic butter. Then spread a generous layer of ricotta on each slice of toast.
- Top with tomato slices or halved cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Finishing Touches:
- Additionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds (optional).
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs (like basil or thyme).
- Optional: Add a light drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe Tips
- For a creamy spread, bring the ricotta to room temperature before using-it makes spreading much easier.
- Toast your bread until golden and crisp to keep the base from getting soggy once topped.
- Assemble the toast right before serving to maintain its fresh texture and crunch.
- Store leftover garlic butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Bring the ricotta to room temperature before using-it makes spreading much easier.
- Toast your bread until golden and crisp to keep the base from getting soggy once topped.
- Assemble the toast right before serving to maintain its fresh texture and crunch.
Nutrition
