If you’re craving a simple yet delightful dish that bursts with freshness and creamy goodness, the Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe combines crusty sourdough toasted to perfection, luscious ricotta cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes dressed with olive oil and a hint of balsamic vinegar for a harmonious melody of flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack, it’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, bringing vibrant Mediterranean vibes right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe lets each component shine, showcasing fresh, wholesome flavors and textures that come together effortlessly.
- Sourdough bread, 4 slices: Choose thick, rustic slices for that perfect crunchy base.
- Ricotta cheese, 1 cup (whole milk preferred): Its creamy, mild richness balances the tartness of the tomatoes beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (halved): Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant color, they elevate every bite.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds smooth, fruity notes and richness.
- Balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon (optional): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- Sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Freshly ground pepper adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Garlic clove, 1 (peeled and halved): Rubbing this on warm toast brings a subtle aromatic punch.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: They add a fresh, herbal brightness that ties everything together.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Sourdough
Start by toasting your sourdough slices until they reach a golden brown and crispy perfection. This step creates that satisfyingly crunchy texture that contrasts so well with the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes.
Step 2: Infuse Toast with Garlic
While the toast is still warm, gently rub each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove. This simple step infuses a gentle garlicky aroma and flavor without being overpowering, adding depth to every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes
In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional balsamic vinegar. This quick marinade brings out their juiciness and amplifies their natural sweetness while balancing the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Spread Ricotta Cheese
Next, generously spread about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese onto each slice of warm toast. The ricotta’s creamy texture serves as a luscious canvas that complements the bright tomatoes perfectly.
Step 5: Top with Marinated Tomatoes
Now, spoon the marinated cherry tomatoes evenly over the ricotta. The tomatoes add fresh juiciness and vibrant color, creating a visually stunning and flavorful combination.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a drizzle of olive oil to boost the richness. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures in your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice for garnishing this toast, adding a fragrant herbal note that enhances the tomato’s sweetness. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a light drizzle of honey for a touch of sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with light salads featuring arugula or mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a bowl of seasonal soup or a crisp cucumber salad, balancing warm and cool textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe for guests, consider cutting the toasts into smaller bite-sized pieces for a charming appetizer platter. Layering a few slices on a wooden board with extra bowls of ricotta, marinated tomatoes, and fresh herbs also makes for a fun, shareable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, it’s best to keep the toasted bread and marinated tomatoes separately. Store the ricotta in a sealed container in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
While sourdough toast isn’t ideal for freezing once topped, you can freeze extra slices of sourdough bread before toasting. Thaw and toast them fresh whenever you want to enjoy the recipe again with optimal texture.
Reheating
To reheat, toast any leftover bread slices until crisp, then add fresh ricotta and tomato topping. Avoid reheating the assembled toast to maintain the fresh textures and flavors that make this dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese made from skim milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk ricotta is preferred for its creamier texture and richer flavor, but you can use skim milk ricotta if you want a lighter option. Just expect a slightly less creamy result.
Is balsamic vinegar necessary in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is optional but highly recommended because it adds a subtle tang and depth that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Feel free to omit it if you prefer simpler flavors.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
You can, but cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and juiciness. If using regular tomatoes, choose ripe, firm ones and cut them into small pieces to mimic the texture and bite-sized portions.
What can I add for a little spice?
Crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on top are perfect to add just a hint of heat without overshadowing the delicate ricotta and tomato flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version relies on ricotta cheese, which is dairy-based. To make it vegan, substitute with a creamy plant-based ricotta alternative and ensure your bread has no animal products.
Final Thoughts
The Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is a simple treasure that never fails to brighten the table and warm the heart. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little celebration of fresh ingredients and easy comfort, perfect to share with friends or savor as a special treat. Give it a try and discover how these humble ingredients come alive together in such a beautifully balanced and satisfying way.
Print
Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast recipe perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or appetizer. Creamy ricotta cheese is paired with fresh cherry tomatoes marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, all served on crispy toasted sourdough bread with a hint of garlic and fresh basil garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Toast the sourdough slices until they are golden and crisp, providing a crunchy base for the toppings.
- Rub with garlic: While the toast is still warm, gently rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic flavor.
- Prepare tomatoes: In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar if using, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spread ricotta: Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese onto each slice of toast, creating a creamy layer.
- Add tomatoes: Spoon the marinated cherry tomatoes evenly over the ricotta on each toast.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whipped ricotta cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Drizzle a bit of honey for a sweet and savory balance.
- Perfect as a light lunch, brunch, or appetizer.
