If you’re craving something that’s equal parts satisfying, fresh, and totally irresistible, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is about to become your new go-to. Imagine crisp, golden slices of sourdough, luxuriously smeared with creamy ricotta, then crowned with juicy tomato slices and a drizzle of olive oil. This isn’t just a snack—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors, Italian-inspired simplicity, and pure comfort. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant appetizer, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast delivers big taste with minimal effort, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the crusty bread to the creamy cheese, creating a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need to make every bite memorable:
- Sourdough bread: Go for thick, rustic slices that toast beautifully and hold all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Ricotta cheese: Choose a high-quality, full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture and mild, milky flavor.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring juiciness and a burst of summer flavor—heirloom or vine-ripened work wonders.
- Olive oil: A generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps all the flavors meld together.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): A splash of balsamic brings tangy, sweet depth—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip a good sprinkle; seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and ricotta.
- Fresh basil leaves: Basil’s peppery, aromatic notes make the whole dish sing—tear them just before serving.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Step 1: Toast the Sourdough
Start by toasting your sourdough slices until they’re golden and crisp on the outside but still tender in the middle. You can use a toaster, grill pan, or even pop them under the broiler—just keep an eye on them so they don’t go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Step 2: Spread the Ricotta
Once the bread is toasted to perfection, grab a spoon and slather on a thick, generous layer of ricotta cheese. Don’t be shy—the creamy ricotta is what makes this toast so luscious and satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Next, lay out the tomato slices over the ricotta, overlapping them slightly for maximum tomato coverage. If you’re feeling fancy, try roasting the tomatoes first to concentrate their sweetness and add a touch of smokiness.
Step 4: Drizzle and Season
Drizzle olive oil liberally over the tomatoes and ricotta, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. If you like, splash on some balsamic vinegar for a tangy-sweet finish. Then, sprinkle with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast with plenty of fresh basil leaves, torn by hand for that just-picked taste. Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp and the flavors are at their brightest.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Garnishes
This toast shines with a handful of tender basil leaves, but you can also mix things up: try chives, microgreens, or even a light sprinkle of lemon zest for a citrusy lift. A final drizzle of good olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving adds a glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, a bowl of soup (think chilled gazpacho in summer or tomato soup in winter), or a side of fresh fruit. The toast also makes a gorgeous addition to a brunch spread alongside eggs or smoked salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Love entertaining? Cut the toast into small squares or triangles and serve as colorful canapés at your next gathering. You can even build a DIY toast bar: set out the bread, ricotta, tomatoes, and toppings and let everyone create their own masterpiece. Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is as fun to share as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover assembled toasts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The bread will lose some crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
Freezing is best reserved for the bread itself—simply freeze slices of sourdough and toast them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast. Avoid freezing assembled toasts, as the ricotta and tomatoes don’t thaw well.
Reheating
To refresh leftover toast, pop it in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute or two until it’s warm and slightly crisped. Add a fresh sprinkle of basil to revive the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack
Absolutely! While sourdough delivers that tangy, chewy bite, you can swap in any sturdy artisan bread, such as a rustic whole wheat or multigrain. Just pick something that toasts up well and holds the toppings.
Is it possible to make this toast vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute a plant-based ricotta or a thick cashew cheese in place of dairy ricotta. Drizzle with olive oil and pile on the tomatoes for a 100% vegan version of Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast.
Are there add-ins I can try?
Definitely. Try adding smashed avocado under the ricotta, a sprinkle of toasted seeds, or a few paper-thin radish slices for extra crunch. A swipe of pesto under the cheese is a total game-changer, too.
Can I roast the tomatoes instead of using them raw?
Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a gentle caramelized note. Simply roast thick slices at 400°F with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes, then layer onto your toast.
How do I make the toast ahead for a party?
You can toast the bread and prep the toppings in advance, but assemble just before serving for the best texture. If you need to assemble ahead, spread the ricotta and add the tomatoes, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to an hour before your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish as delightful as Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast. Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, sharing with friends, or treating yourself to a solo lunch, this recipe is sure to brighten your day. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is a simple yet flavorful recipe combining creamy ricotta cheese, fresh tomato slices, and crispy sourdough bread. Enhanced with olive oil, optional balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil, it’s a perfect quick breakfast, snack, or light lunch option that showcases the freshness of Italian-American cuisine.
Ingredients
Bread & Cheese
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Toast the sourdough slices until they are golden brown and crisp to provide a sturdy base with a satisfying crunch.
- Spread Ricotta: Generously spread about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese evenly over each slice of toasted sourdough, creating a creamy layer.
- Add Tomato Slices: Top each slice with fresh tomato slices, evenly distributing them for a balanced flavor.
- Drizzle and Season: Drizzle olive oil over the tomato-topped toast, and if desired, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for acidity. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing each toast with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of warm toast and fresh toppings.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, lightly roast the tomato slices before placing them on the toast.
- This toast is ideal as a quick breakfast, snack, or light lunch.
- Substitute ricotta cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
