If you’re craving a breakfast or snack that tastes as luxurious as it looks, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is about to become your new obsession. Imagine golden-crisp sourdough slathered with creamy ricotta, topped with juicy, marinated cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that extra burst of flavor. This dish comes together so quickly, yet every bite tastes like a celebration of summer on your plate. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow morning or wowing guests at brunch, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast has a way of making any moment feel deliciously special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of top-notch ingredients is all it takes to unlock the fresh, layered flavors of this simple yet stunning toast. Each element plays a starring role—don’t skip on quality! Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast:
- Sourdough bread: Its hearty, tangy flavor and chewy texture are the ideal foundation for creamy toppings.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Choose fresh, whole milk ricotta for dreamy smoothness and delicate flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juicy pop brighten up each bite—go for the ripest you can find.
- Olive oil: A pour of good olive oil brings fruity, peppery notes and helps marry the flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash deepens the tomato’s sweetness with a subtle tang.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for highlighting every ingredient’s unique taste.
- Fresh basil leaves: They add a fragrant, green freshness and a little color contrast.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, a pinch wakes up the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Step 1: Toast the Sourdough
Start by toasting your sourdough slices until they’re deliciously golden and crisp around the edges. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or even in a dry skillet—whichever method yields that irresistible crunch. A well-toasted base is just as important here as the toppings, providing sturdy support and plenty of texture.
Step 2: Marinate the Tomatoes
As the bread toasts, toss your halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade infuses them with extra flavor and sets them apart from simple sliced tomatoes. Give them a gentle stir so every piece glistens and absorbs those tangy, savory notes.
Step 3: Spread the Ricotta
Once your toast is ready, spread a generous quarter-cup layer of whole milk ricotta onto each slice. Don’t rush this step—the ricotta should be creamy and fluffy, coating the toast in a thick, pillowy layer. It acts as the perfect cushion for the vibrant tomato topping.
Step 4: Add the Marinated Tomatoes
Pile the freshly marinated cherry tomatoes on top of the ricotta. Let their juices mingle with the cheese; this is what makes every bite of Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast extra juicy and full of zing. If there’s extra marinade, drizzle it over for even more depth of flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Flakes
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the warm tomatoes, and if you love a little warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The basil wakes up every flavor and transforms your toast into something totally irresistible. Serve right away while everything is fresh and vibrant!
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Garnishes
This toast is a canvas just waiting for a personal touch. Try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, another sprinkle of basil, a dash more black pepper, or flaky sea salt. For an extra luxurious finish, add a few shavings of Parmesan or a handful of microgreens for color and crunch.
Side Dishes
Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is incredibly versatile, making it a breeze to pair with side dishes. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a soft-boiled egg or a leafy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. As a light lunch, a chilled gazpacho or a bowl of lentil soup complements the flavors and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready platter, slice each toast into bite-sized portions—a perfect appetizer for gatherings. Alternatively, make a Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast bar, setting out toast, ricotta, tomatoes, and a variety of toppings so everyone can build their own masterpiece. It’s interactive, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is best enjoyed fresh, storing components separately helps maintain taste and texture. Keep the ricotta, marinated tomatoes, and toasted bread in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze well assembled, but you can freeze pre-sliced sourdough bread. Toast the frozen bread straight from the freezer when ready, and add fresh ricotta and tomatoes for best flavor. Avoid freezing ricotta or tomatoes, as their texture will change considerably.
Reheating
If your sourdough needs freshening, pop it back in the toaster or oven for a few minutes until crisp. Do not microwave, as this can make the toast rubbery. Top with chilled or room-temperature ricotta and tomatoes for a quick, revived snack.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ricotta instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought ricotta is convenient and still delivers wonderful creaminess. Just be sure to choose a whole milk version for maximum flavor and spreadability in your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast.
What can I substitute for sourdough bread?
If you’re out of sourdough, try hearty country bread, ciabatta, or even a whole grain loaf. The most important thing is a substantial slice that can handle the delicious, juicy toppings without falling apart.
Are there ways to make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast vegan?
Yes! Swap the ricotta for a creamy vegan alternative made from almonds or cashews. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, so you can enjoy this dish dairy-free with just one simple change.
Can I use roasted tomatoes instead of fresh?
Roasted tomatoes are a fantastic variation, especially when tomatoes are out of season. Their concentrated sweetness adds a lovely depth, and they work perfectly in Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast—try them warm on a chilly day.
How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
Be sure your toast is deeply golden and give it a minute to cool slightly before adding the ricotta. Assembling just before serving and avoiding excess tomato marinade will also help your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast stay crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that manages to be both easy and impressive, and Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is absolutely that kind of dish. Whether you’re making it for a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a show-stopping appetizer, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give it a try and see just how delightful simple, fresh ingredients can be!
Print
Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast that combines creamy ricotta cheese, tangy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil on crispy sourdough slices, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Sourdough Toast:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread, toasted
Ricotta & Tomato Topping:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Toast the Sourdough: Toast the sourdough bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: Toss the cherry tomatoes in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Toasts: Spread about ¼ cup of ricotta cheese over each slice of toast. Top with the marinated cherry tomatoes.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with whipped feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Heirloom or roasted tomatoes also work beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
