If you are looking for a fresh and vibrant way to elevate your brunch or quick snack, the Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With its creamy whipped ricotta, sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, and the satisfying crunch of toasted sourdough, this dish bursts with layers of flavor and texture that marry beautifully in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough to impress guests, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one brings something special to the table, creating a balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that unbeatable toasted crunch.
- Sourdough Bread: Four slices provide a sturdy, tangy base that holds all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Ricotta Cheese: One cup of creamy, mild cheese that gives this toast its luscious, rich personality.
- Cherry Tomatoes: One cup, halved, adding juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons used both for toasting the bread and drizzling on top to enhance flavor.
- Garlic Clove: One clove, halved, for rubbing on the toast to impart subtle depth.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Black Pepper: To taste; adds a gentle warmth and complexity.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, torn, bringing freshness and a touch of aniseed aroma.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch for a gourmet finish with delightful texture.
How to Make Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Skillet Ready
Begin by heating up a cast-iron or nonstick skillet on medium heat. This will be your main cooking surface for toasting the bread and blistering those juicy cherry tomatoes, building foundational flavors in the process.
Step 2: Whip the Ricotta
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Whisk until it becomes smooth and airy, transforming the ricotta into a luscious, spreadable delight that will coat the bread perfectly.
Step 3: Toast the Sourdough
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your hot skillet and toast the sourdough slices until they turn golden and crispy on both sides. This usually takes around 2 minutes per side and forms the crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and juicy toppings.
Step 4: Infuse the Bread with Garlic
While the toast is still warm, rub each slice generously with the halved garlic clove. This simple step subtly infuses the bread with aromatic depth, elevating every mouthful.
Step 5: Blister the Cherry Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the cherry tomatoes until they blister and release their juices—about 3 to 4 minutes. This little cooking trick intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a touch of caramelized flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous layer of your whipped ricotta over each toast slice, then spoon the warm blistered cherry tomatoes on top. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and torn fresh basil leaves for aroma and color.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
The magic is in serving this toast right away to enjoy that perfect contrast of crisp bread, creamy ricotta, and warm tomatoes bursting with flavor. Freshness makes all the difference here!
How to Serve Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a lovely finishing touch. For a little kick, some red pepper flakes work wonders without overpowering the delicate balance.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple bowl of seasonal fruit. Both help round out the meal with refreshing contrasts and added nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try serving the Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of toppings on the side so guests can customize their slices. Another fun idea is to stack toast rounds layered with ricotta and tomatoes for elegant mini open-faced sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the toasted bread and toppings separate in airtight containers. Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but storing components separately helps maintain their quality.
Freezing
While sourdough bread freezes well, the ricotta and tomatoes do not freeze gracefully, so it’s best to freeze only extra slices of sourdough if needed. Simply thaw and re-toast when ready to use.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the toast in a dry skillet or toaster oven to regain its crispiness. The ricotta and tomatoes are best served fresh, so add those atop the toast after reheating for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of sourdough?
Absolutely! While sourdough provides a tangy robustness and good structure, you can also use rustic Italian bread, whole-grain slices, or even a sturdy baguette. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Is it possible to prepare the ricotta ahead of time?
You can whip the ricotta in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to a day. Just give it a quick whisk before spreading to bring back its airy texture.
Can I add other toppings to this recipe?
Definitely! A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of honey, or some prosciutto make wonderful additions that complement the creamy and sweet flavors perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe as-is uses dairy ricotta, but you can try plant-based ricotta alternatives to make it vegan-friendly. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will differ slightly but can still be delicious.
How long does this toast stay fresh if made in advance?
This toast is best eaten immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and fresh flavors. If storing, keep components separate and assemble right before serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with fresh flavors, creamy indulgence, and a satisfying crunch, you simply must try the Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s effortless to make yet always impresses with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste. Trust me, once you make it, this toast will become a beloved classic in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
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Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast recipe features crisp, golden sourdough slices topped with creamy whipped ricotta, juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. A simple yet flavorful breakfast or snack that’s ready in just 15 minutes, combining tangy bread, mild cheese, and bright tomato notes with a hint of garlic and a drizzle of olive oil.
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread
- 4 slices sturdy, tangy sourdough bread
Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon for whipping)
Tomatoes & Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for toasting, 1 tbsp for sautéing)
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil, torn
- Flaky sea salt, a pinch for finishing
Instructions
- Heat the skillet. Place a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat to warm up and prepare for toasting the bread.
- Whip the ricotta. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, light, and airy, making it easy to spread on the toast.
- Toast the sourdough. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet. Place the sourdough slices in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy and sturdy base.
- Infuse garlic flavor. Rub the cut sides of the garlic clove over each warm slice to impart a subtle garlic aroma and flavor onto the toast.
- Spread the ricotta. Generously spread the whipped ricotta cheese on each garlic-rubbed toast slice, creating a creamy layer for the toppings.
- Sauté the tomatoes. In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil if needed and sauté the cherry tomatoes until they blister and soften, about 3 to 4 minutes, enhancing their sweetness and juiciness.
- Assemble and season. Spoon the warm blistered tomatoes over the ricotta on each toast. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, flavorful finish.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy the toast while the bread is crisp, the ricotta is creamy, and the tomato topping is warm and bright for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use sturdy sourdough bread to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Whipping ricotta with olive oil makes it lighter and easier to spread.
- Rubbing garlic on warm toast adds flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Blistering the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness and freshness of the dish.
