There is something incredibly satisfying about crispy sourdough topped with creamy ricotta and juicy, ripe tomatoes. The Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe captures this perfect balance of textures and flavors in just minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, light lunch, or even a refreshing snack. This recipe combines the tangy richness of ricotta with the fresh burst of tomatoes, all accentuated by a drizzle of olive oil and fragrant basil—simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of fresh and straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering that irresistible taste and texture combination. From the sturdy sourdough base to the creamy ricotta and vibrant tomatoes, every component shines in harmony.
- Sourdough bread: Use fresh, thick slices with a crunchy crust to hold all the toppings perfectly.
- Ricotta cheese: Smooth and mild, ricotta adds a luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Large ripe tomato: Choose the freshest, juiciest tomato you can find for maximum flavor and color.
- Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a subtle peppery note.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bright and aromatic, basil brings a lovely herbal freshness to the toast.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): A sweet and tangy drizzle that adds depth and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Sourdough
Start by toasting the sourdough bread slices until they’re golden and crispy. You can use a regular toaster or a grill pan for a more charred, smoky flavor. The goal is to create a crunchy foundation that contrasts with the softness of the ricotta and tomatoes.
Step 2: Spread the Ricotta Cheese
While your bread is still warm from toasting, spread a generous layer of ricotta on each slice. The warmth of the bread helps the ricotta soften slightly, making it even creamier and easier to enjoy with every bite.
Step 3: Arrange Tomato Slices
Place thin, even slices of your ripe tomato over the ricotta layer. Using thin slices ensures you’ll get a perfect bite with every mouthful, showcasing the fresh juiciness of the tomato without overwhelming the toast.
Step 4: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the tomatoes, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. This simple step highlights the natural flavors and adds a light, silky texture that ties all the elements together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your toast with fresh basil leaves for an herbal punch, and if you like, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness and acidity. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice here, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a few capers for a briny kick. Each garnish adds a unique dimension while complementing the core flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a bowl of seasonal fruit to round out a bright, refreshing meal. It’s also fantastic with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or a freshly brewed coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the toast into smaller pieces as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering. Layering on additional toppings like a handful of arugula or a poached egg can turn this simple Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe into an elegant brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare), store the toast components separately. Keep the ricotta and tomatoes in airtight containers in the fridge, and toast extra bread when ready to serve to maintain crispiness.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. However, sourdough bread slices can be frozen in advance and toasted directly from frozen whenever you want to recreate this meal.
Reheating
To reheat, toast fresh bread slices and spread cold ricotta and fresh tomato slices on top, as their freshness is key. Avoid microwaving assembled toast to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
While sourdough is preferred for its texture and tangy flavor, you can use other hearty breads like multigrain or rustic country bread, but the overall taste will be slightly different.
Is ricotta cheese the only option?
Ricotta’s mild creaminess is ideal here, but you could try cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture, though it may alter the signature freshness of the recipe.
How ripe should the tomato be?
Choose a tomato that is ripe but still firm. Overly soft tomatoes can make the toast soggy, while underripe ones won’t provide the sweet juiciness needed.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! A few slices of prosciutto, smoked salmon, or a poached egg can turn this toast into a more filling meal without overpowering the core flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This particular Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe relies on dairy ricotta, but vegan ricotta alternatives are available and can be substituted to make the dish vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s a wonderful simplicity and freshness to the Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe that makes it feel like comfort food without any fuss. Quick to assemble yet packed with vibrant flavors and textures, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. I encourage you to give it a try—grab that crusty sourdough and luscious ricotta, and treat yourself to a little toast magic that brightens your day.
Print
Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is a quick and delicious open-faced sandwich perfect for a light breakfast or snack. Creamy ricotta cheese spread over crispy toasted sourdough is topped with fresh, ripe tomato slices, drizzled with olive oil, and garnished with fragrant basil leaves and an optional balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Toast
- 2 slices sourdough bread
For the Toppings
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Toast Sourdough: Toast the sourdough bread slices in a toaster or on a grill pan until golden and crispy to develop a delightful crunch that complements the creamy toppings.
- Prepare Ricotta Spread: While the bread is toasting, evenly spread the ricotta cheese over each slice of toasted sourdough to create a smooth, creamy base layer.
- Top with Tomatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes neatly on top of the ricotta layer, ensuring even coverage for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Season: Drizzle each slice with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the bread and tomatoes.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy sweetness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- For a crunchier texture, grill the bread instead of toasting it in a toaster.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta.
- Can be served as a light breakfast, snack, or appetizer.
