Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The creamy ricotta balances the acidity of fresh tomatoes, while herbs add a fragrant touch that elevates the toast. It’s quick to prepare, wholesome, and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs or toppings. Whether you need a nutritious snack or a light meal, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rustic bread or sourdough, toasted
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy herbed ricotta spread.
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed ricotta on each slice of toasted bread.
- Top with thin slices of ripe tomatoes, arranging them evenly.
- Drizzle each toast with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top with fresh arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
- Use burrata or cream cheese as an alternative to ricotta.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Best served fresh.
- Leftover herbed ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Toast is best eaten immediately; reheating may dry it out.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What other herbs can I use?
Thyme, parsley, or chives can be great alternatives or additions.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Use a plant-based ricotta substitute and vegan bread.
4. How do I pick the best tomatoes?
Choose ripe, firm, and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
5. Can I add protein to this toast?
Yes, grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or boiled eggs work well.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread to make this dish gluten-free.
7. Can I prepare the ricotta spread in advance?
Yes, make the ricotta spread up to a day ahead and refrigerate.
8. What bread works best?
Rustic, sourdough, or ciabatta breads with a sturdy crust are ideal.
9. Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Yes, halved cherry tomatoes make a nice, colorful topping.
10. Can I freeze the ricotta spread?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture.
Conclusion
Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast is a quick, fresh, and versatile recipe that brings simple ingredients together into a delicious bite. Perfect for any time of day, this toast is a delightful way to enjoy creamy cheese and vibrant tomatoes with an herbal punch. Try it as a snack, breakfast, or light lunch—it’s always a winner!
Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Toast
This herbed ricotta and tomato toast is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack or light meal. Creamy ricotta cheese is enhanced with fresh herbs and topped with ripe tomatoes, creating a bright and satisfying combination perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a simple appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices rustic bread or sourdough, toasted
2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy herbed ricotta spread.
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed ricotta on each slice of toasted bread.
- Top with thin slices of ripe tomatoes, arranging them evenly.
- Drizzle each toast with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Top with fresh arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
Use burrata or cream cheese as an alternative to ricotta.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg