If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delightful way to enjoy your mornings or a light meal, this Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. With creamy ricotta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the satisfying tang of sourdough bread, every bite feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s so simple yet packed with flavor and texture, making it a go-to recipe that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re making brunch for friends or a cozy solo snack, this recipe hits all the right notes and brightens up your kitchen and your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though this recipe looks fancy, it’s built on a handful of humble ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall taste, texture, and color of this dreamy toast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sourdough Bread: Choose a sturdy, tangy loaf that holds toppings without getting soggy, providing a perfect base.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta is the rich heart of this toast, creating a dreamy, fluffy layer.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness add a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Olive Oil: Used both for toasting and drizzling, it adds a silky richness and enhances every flavor.
- Garlic Clove: Rubbed on the toast for a subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates each flavor perfectly, making everything taste brighter.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the creamy and sweet components elegantly.
- Fresh Basil: Torn basil leaves bring freshness and a lovely aniseed aroma to the dish.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top at the end, this adds a gourmet crunch and extra flavor punch.
How to Make Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Pan
Begin by heating a cast iron skillet or a nonstick pan over medium heat. This will be the perfect surface to toast your sourdough and blister your cherry tomatoes, unlocking their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Whip the Ricotta
In a bowl, combine your ricotta with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Whip it until it’s smooth and airy, creating a light and creamy layer that makes the toast utterly luscious.
Step 3: Toast the Sourdough
Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to your hot skillet. Toast the sourdough slices for roughly two minutes on each side or until golden brown. This gives you that beautiful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy toppings.
Step 4: Garlic Rub and Ricotta Spread
Once toasted, gently rub each bread slice with the halved garlic clove. This imparts a delicate garlic aroma and flavor without being overpowering. Immediately after, spread a generous layer of your whipped ricotta onto each piece, building that creamy base.
Step 5: Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes with a splash of olive oil. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to blister slightly, intensifying their sweetness and softening them just enough.
Step 6: Assemble with Seasoning and Basil
Spoon the warm, blistered cherry tomatoes atop the ricotta on each toast. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then scatter torn fresh basil over everything for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
The magic of this Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe lies in that contrast of crisp bread and warm, fresh toppings. Serve it right away to enjoy every texture and flavor at its best.
How to Serve Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final touch of garnishes can elevate this toast beautifully. Think extra torn basil leaves, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction also pairs wonderfully with the sweet tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs perfectly with light greens like arugula or a fresh cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, add a poached egg on top or serve alongside roasted vegetables. The options are endless and equally delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or brunch, arrange multiple toasts on a wooden board or slate platter. Garnish with edible flowers or extra basil sprigs for a pop of color. You can slice the sourdough in smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately for best results — keep the ricotta mixture in an airtight container and the tomatoes in another. Toast is best eaten fresh but can be kept for a few hours at room temperature if needed.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and bread texture, freezing the assembled toast isn’t recommended. However, you can toast your bread in advance and freeze it, then thaw and prepare the toppings fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the tomatoes gently in a skillet or microwave, but toast the bread fresh or crisp it up again in a hot pan or toaster oven. Spread the ricotta only after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough is ideal for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture, you can experiment with rustic country bread, ciabatta, or even multigrain loaf. Just make sure your bread is thick enough to hold the toppings.
How do I make the ricotta fluffier?
Whisking the ricotta with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt using a fork or small whisk helps introduce air and create a light, creamy texture that spreads easily and tastes heavenly on the toast.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes, swap the ricotta for a plant-based ricotta alternative or cashew cream, and ensure your bread is vegan. The rest of the ingredients, like tomatoes and basil, are naturally vegan-friendly.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic flavor, but you can substitute with fresh thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. Just add herbs sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast and dinner?
Definitely! This Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is versatile enough for a delicious, light breakfast, lunch, or even a simple dinner. Pair it with a salad for a more filling meal at any time of day.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of creamy ricotta, sweet blistered tomatoes, and the wonderful tang that only sourdough can bring. This Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary dish. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves easy, fresh, and flavorful food that feels like a little celebration every time you take a bite. Give it a try soon and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy whipped ricotta, sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil on toasted sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick and elegant breakfast or light lunch, this dish balances creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch and aroma.
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread
- 4 slices of sturdy sourdough bread
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Drizzle of olive oil (approximately 1 teaspoon for whipping)
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided, 1 tbsp for toasting, 1 tbsp for tomatoes)
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil, torn
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat to prepare for toasting the bread and later sautéing the tomatoes.
- Whip Ricotta: In a bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil until the texture becomes smooth and airy, enhancing its creaminess.
- Toast Bread: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot skillet. Place the sourdough slices in the skillet and toast them until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, creating a crunchy base.
- Flavor Bread: Immediately rub each warm toasted slice with the cut sides of the halved garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic aroma. Then spread a generous layer of the whipped ricotta evenly over each slice.
- Sauté Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the halved cherry tomatoes until they just blister and soften, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, intensifying their sweetness and flavor.
- Assemble Toast: Spoon the warm blistered cherry tomatoes evenly over the ricotta layers on each slice. Season with flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top for freshness and aroma.
- Serve Immediately: Present the toast while still warm and crisp so the toppings retain their freshness and the textures provide optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Use a sturdy sourdough bread to prevent sogginess under the ricotta and tomato toppings.
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the finished toast before serving.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh oregano or thyme if preferred.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted ricotta cheese.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor balance.
