If you’re searching for a bright and easy-to-make snack or light meal that feels both fresh and indulgent, this Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine creamy, fragrant ricotta blended with fresh herbs, spread over golden, crispy bread, and topped with vibrant, juicy cherry tomatoes seasoned perfectly with flaky sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s an absolute breeze to prepare yet delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a charming appetizer, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe truly special is how simple yet thoughtful the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing creaminess, freshness, crunch, and a touch of savory depth.
- 4 slices good quality bread: Choose rustic or sourdough bread for the best crispy-to-chewy contrast.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy base that brings a silky, mild tang to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil (or parsley): Fresh herbs add a fragrant pop of green and an elevated herbal kick.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity to brighten the dish.
- Flaky sea salt, to taste: A finishing touch that highlights all the fresh flavors with just the right crunch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): Adds a luscious richness and helps meld the tomatoes with the ricotta.
How to Make Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your bread slices until they are beautifully golden brown and crisp. This creates the perfect sturdy base and adds a toasty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy ricotta.
Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Ricotta
In a bowl, gently fold the ricotta cheese with your finely chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mixing them well allows the herbs to infuse the ricotta with an aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Step 3: Spread the Ricotta
Generously spread the herbed ricotta mixture onto each warm slice of toast. Don’t be shy here — a thick layer makes every bite irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Top each slice with the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes. Arrange them artfully for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Their juicy sweetness complements the herb-infused ricotta perfectly.
Step 5: Drizzle Olive Oil (Optional)
If you want a little extra indulgence, drizzle a tablespoon of good quality olive oil over the tomatoes. This adds a velvety richness and ties all the flavors together harmoniously.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt
Finish by sprinkling the flaky sea salt on top, which enhances the natural tomato juices and gives each bite a delightful seasoning crunch.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve the Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe straight away while the bread is still warm and the textures at their peak.
How to Serve Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual and flavor appeal by adding microgreens, a few fresh basil leaves, or even a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A little lemon zest can also brighten the overall taste wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with a crunchy green salad, a chilled glass of white wine, or even a bowl of seasonal fruit. The lightness of these options balances the creamy, savory notes of the toast perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the toast as a shared appetizer at gatherings for a casual yet classy touch. You can also cut the slices into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy party snacks or layer additional toppings like toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the components separate for best results. Store the herbed ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the toasted bread in a paper bag to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because the toast may lose its crispness after freezing. However, you can freeze the ricotta-herb mixture if needed and thaw it gently in the fridge before use.
Reheating
To revive the toast, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain some crunch without drying out the bread. Add fresh tomatoes and ricotta after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides basil or parsley?
Absolutely! Herbs like thyme, chives, or oregano can add exciting new dimensions to your Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe. Just adjust the quantity to your taste since some herbs are stronger than others.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re out of ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can work in a pinch, but ricotta’s light, fluffy texture and mild flavor really make this recipe shine.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes! Swap the ricotta for a plant-based ricotta alternative or blended tofu. Use olive oil generously and make sure your bread is vegan-friendly to keep the dish aligned with plant-based diets.
What type of bread works best?
Thicker, artisanal breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or country-style loaves hold up beautifully and add a complex flavor that complements the creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes.
How long does it take to prepare?
This Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying bite anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe is one of those simple joys that never fails to impress. It’s comforting, fresh, and versatile—all the things I love in a dish. I encourage you to make it soon, share it with people you love, and enjoy the beautiful burst of flavors in every delicious bite.
Print
Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and fresh recipe for Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast, perfect for a quick breakfast or light snack. Crispy toasted bread is topped with creamy ricotta blended with fresh herbs and vibrant cherry tomatoes, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and flaky sea salt for a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices good quality bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Herbs and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil or parsley
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
Seasoning
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Toast the slices of bread until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture to hold the toppings well.
- Prepare herbed ricotta: In a mixing bowl, fold the ricotta cheese with the chopped basil or parsley until they are well combined, infusing the cheese with fresh herb flavor.
- Spread ricotta on toast: Generously spread the herbed ricotta mixture over each slice of the warm toasted bread to create a creamy base.
- Add tomatoes: Arrange the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes artfully on top of the ricotta-covered toast.
- Optional drizzle: Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes for extra richness and flavor, if desired.
- Season with salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over each toast to enhance the overall taste.
- Serve warm: Serve the toasts immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor combination.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley according to your preference for varied flavor.
- Choose a rustic or artisan bread for better texture and taste.
- The olive oil drizzle is optional but adds a nice richness.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve promptly to maintain the crispiness of the toast.
