If you’re seeking a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is about to become your new go-to favorite. Creamy ricotta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and the irresistible aroma of fresh basil all come together atop crisp, golden sourdough, finished with a sweet drizzle of balsamic glaze. The contrast of flavors and textures makes every bite memorable—perfect for a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or a show-stopping appetizer. This recipe is effortless but feels luxurious, and I can’t wait to walk you through every step of making the perfect Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast.

Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for maximum impact, and together they create a harmonious balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Sourdough bread: The tangy, chewy crumb and crisp crust of sourdough are essential for a sturdy, flavorful toast base.
Olive oil: Brushing the bread with olive oil ensures a golden, crunchy finish and adds rich, fruity notes.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and a mild, delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes: These little jewels burst with sweetness and juiciness, creating a colorful and flavorful topping.
Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of this syrupy glaze adds a sweet and tangy depth that wakes up all the other flavors.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil brings a burst of herbaceous, peppery freshness that makes the whole dish sing.
Salt: Just a little brings out the natural flavors in both the cheese and the tomatoes.
Black pepper: A sprinkle adds a gentle kick and complements the creamy ricotta beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pinch if you want a subtle, warming heat that lingers on the palate.

How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast

Step 1: Prep the Sourdough

Start by laying out those gorgeous slices of sourdough bread. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides with olive oil. This step is non-negotiable if you want that fabulous, golden crunch—plus, olive oil adds an extra layer of flavor that’s subtle but unmistakable.

Step 2: Toast or Grill

Heat a grill pan or your toaster until hot, then pop your oiled bread on until both sides are golden brown and perfectly crisp. You want the edges to be shatteringly crunchy, but the middle should still have a bit of chew. If you’re after even more flavor, rub a cut garlic clove over the toast while it’s still warm—trust me, it’s divine.

Step 3: Spread the Ricotta

While the bread is still warm, generously spread about 1/4 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese onto each slice. The heat from the toast will soften the ricotta just enough so it melts into every nook and cranny, creating a dreamy, creamy base for your toppings.

Step 4: Top with Tomatoes and Drizzle

Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes over the ricotta, nestling them in for maximum coverage. Then, take your balsamic glaze and give each toast a generous drizzle. The glaze should create glossy ribbons over the tomatoes, adding both visual appeal and a mouthwatering tang.

Step 5: Finish with Basil and Seasoning

Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top, followed by a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and—if you love a little heat—a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve these beauties immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp, and get ready for serious smiles around your table.

How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast

Garnishes

The right garnishes can turn Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast from simple to spectacular. A final flourish of extra basil leaves, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper, or even a few shavings of lemon zest can bring brightness and color. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt or a tiny drizzle of olive oil just before serving for that restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This toast is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup transforms it into a satisfying meal. Try a peppery arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon, or a chilled cucumber soup to keep things fresh and light. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit and perhaps a soft-boiled egg.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready twist, cut each Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter for easy sharing. Or layer the toppings onto mini sourdough rounds for a canapé-style appetizer. You can even set up a toast bar, letting everyone build their own with extra toppings like capers, olives, or roasted red peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any toasts left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread will soften a bit, but the flavors will still be lovely. For the best texture, I recommend storing the toppings and bread separately and assembling just before serving.

Freezing

While Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the toasted bread slices by themselves. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, just re-toast and add your toppings.

Reheating

To revive leftover toast, pop it in a toaster oven or a hot skillet for a few minutes until the bread crisps up again. If you’ve stored the ingredients separately, simply reassemble after reheating the bread for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta, or should I make it fresh?

Store-bought whole milk ricotta works beautifully for this recipe, but if you have the time and inclination to make your own, the result will be even creamier and more flavorful. Either option will deliver a fantastic Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast.

What type Appetizer, Snack

Cherry tomatoes are my favorite for their sweetness and juiciness, but you can easily use grape tomatoes or even diced heirloom tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. Just be sure to use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast, swap out the ricotta for a dairy-free alternative or homemade almond ricotta. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Is this toast best served hot or cold?

Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is at its absolute best when served warm, right after the bread is toasted and the ricotta is spread. The contrast of warm bread and cool, creamy cheese is truly special, but it’s pretty tasty at room temperature too.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can toast the bread and prep the ricotta and tomato topping a few hours ahead. Just keep everything separate until you’re ready to assemble and serve so the bread stays crisp and the flavors stay fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and crusty sourdough, all brightened up with basil and a touch of balsamic. Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast is so simple, yet feels like a special treat every single time. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with everyone you love.

Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Ricotta & Tomato Sourdough Toast combining creamy ricotta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil on crispy toasted sourdough bread, perfect for a light appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Toast

4 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Lightly brush both sides of the sourdough slices with olive oil to enhance flavor and aid in crisping.
Toast the Bread: Toast or grill the bread slices until they are golden brown and crisp, creating a sturdy base.
Spread Ricotta: Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese on each toasted slice, adding a creamy layer.
Add Tomatoes: Top each slice with halved cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly for fresh, juicy bursts.
Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomatoes to add a sweet and tangy flavor dimension.
Season: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for spice and aroma.
Serve: Serve immediately while the toast is warm and crisp to enjoy the best texture and flavors.

Notes

For added flavor, rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before spreading the ricotta cheese.
Use heirloom tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful variation.
This toast pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, making it a great light lunch option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Toasting
Cuisine: Italian