If you’ve ever dreamt of a breakfast (or lunch, or snack!) that feels just as special as it tastes, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is about to be your new go-to. Imagine thick, golden-toasted sourdough topped with creamy whole-milk ricotta, sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, a hint of fresh basil, and the rich drizzle of balsamic glaze. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and colors that’ll make any ordinary morning extraordinary. Whether you want a meal that feels restaurant-worthy or a way to use up a bounty of summer tomatoes, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast pulls together effortlessly yet looks and tastes like it should be on a café menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast recipe celebrates the vibrant power of simple ingredients. Together, each component creates a perfect harmony of creamy, crusty, tangy, and fresh—turning everyday staples into something memorable.
- Sourdough bread: The hearty crunch and tang of sourdough form the ideal base, sturdy enough to hold your toppings without getting soggy.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: Opt for whole-milk for the creamiest texture and mild, milky richness—use whipped ricotta for an extra lush spread.
- Cherry tomatoes: These burst with juicy sweetness and lovely color; halving them lets every bite mingle with ricotta’s creaminess.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps coax out the tomato’s flavor when tossed, sautéed, or roasted.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): Adds glossy, tangy depth that pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and ripe tomatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for waking up all those flavors and making everything sing.
- Fresh basil leaves: The top note—herby brightness that brings the whole dish together!
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Step 1: Toast the Sourdough
Start by toasting those slices of sourdough until they’re golden and irresistibly crisp along the edges, yet tender within. Use a toaster, grill pan, or pop them under the broiler—it’s up to you. A hearty toast is crucial for supporting all that creamy ricotta and juicy tomato without falling apart.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
While your bread is toasting, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can keep things super simple and use them as is for a burst of freshness, or, if you have a few extra minutes, flash sauté or roast them to deepen their sweetness and bring out a beautiful juiciness.
Step 3: Spread Ricotta Generously
Pile about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese onto each hot toast. Take a minute to swoosh it right up to the edges for dramatic effect! This is not the time to skimp—let that cloud of creamy ricotta shine as the star.
Step 4: Top with Tomatoes and Finish
Layer your dressed cherry tomatoes generously over the ricotta. If you love a glossy finishing touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze. Then shower everything with fresh basil leaves, a pinch more salt, and lots of cracked black pepper. Your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil is practically a must—tear the leaves by hand for extra fragrance. You can also sprinkle over a pinch of flaky sea salt, extra cracked black pepper, or, for a pop of color, scatter a few edible flowers or chive blossoms if you have them. A gentle drizzle of olive oil always adds a finishing gloss and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast with a crisp green salad, a bowl of fruit, or even a few slices of ripe avocado for a complete meal. It also complements scrambled or poached eggs beautifully if you’re in the mood for extra protein, making this toast just as welcome at brunch as it is at a light lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Go playful and slice your toast into fingers for dipping, or serve as rustic open-faced sandwiches for a picnic. For appetizers, cut into bite-sized triangles and secure with a basil-topped toothpick. Layer on extras like pesto swirls, roasted red peppers, or a few toasted pine nuts to make each Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast your signature.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast, store the components separately for best results. Keep ricotta and prepped tomatoes in the fridge in airtight containers; bread can be wrapped and left at room temperature for a day or two. When ready to enjoy, simply toast the bread, then assemble.
Freezing
To freeze, skip assembly—wrap slices of sourdough tightly and freeze for up to a month. The ricotta can also be frozen in a pinch, though it may lose some creaminess. Tomatoes are best fresh; their texture turns mushy after freezing, so consider prepping those at serving time.
Reheating
Reheat toast in a toaster or oven until crisp and warm. Gently bring ricotta to room temperature and assemble with fresh, or lightly warmed, tomatoes. Avoid microwaving assembled toast, as this makes the bread tough and toppings watery.
FAQs
Can I make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based ricotta or a creamy cashew cheese, and double-check that your sourdough is vegan. The rest of the toppings, including tomatoes and fresh basil, are already plant-friendly.
What’s the best way to whip ricotta for extra creaminess?
Spoon your ricotta into a bowl and beat it with a hand mixer for a minute or so, or whisk vigorously by hand. You can add a splash of milk or olive oil for an even silkier texture, perfect for spreading and swooshing.
Can I use regular large tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Definitely! Just dice larger tomatoes into small pieces, scoop or drain off extra seeds or juice to keep your toast from getting soggy, and proceed as directed. Heirloom varieties add wonderful color and flavor.
How do I add protein and make this a full meal?
Add a poached or fried egg on top for classic breakfast vibes, or slice avocado and layer it with the tomatoes. Smoked salmon or roasted chickpeas make it hearty enough for lunch or dinner—Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast adapts beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Just choose your favorite gluten-free sourdough or bread. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is easy to adjust for different dietary needs without losing any of its charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something so beautiful and delicious—Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is truly the kind of food that brightens your day. I hope you’ll give it a spot at your table, and let those vivid flavors and colors put a smile on your face, no matter the season!
Print
Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 toasts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy ricotta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy balsamic glaze on crispy sourdough toast, topped with fresh basil leaves. This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish suitable for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Sourdough Toast:
- 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted
Ricotta & Tomato Topping:
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the sourdough: Toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, sauté or roast them for added flavor.
- Assemble: Spread 1/4 cup of ricotta on each slice of toast. Top with seasoned cherry tomatoes, drizzle with balsamic glaze, garnish with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Whipped ricotta creates a creamier texture.
- Enhance the dish with a poached egg or avocado for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for tomatoes)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
