If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly simple, this Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine luscious, creamy ricotta whipped to velvety perfection, layered generously over golden, crunchy rustic bread, then topped with juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. It’s a harmony of textures and tastes that makes every bite a satisfying celebration of fresh ingredients. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an elegant snack, this toast is as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a thick amount of white ricotta cheese with a creamy texture, placed near three slices of rustic bread with a light brown crust and airy off-white inside on a white marbled surface. Nearby, another white bowl contains bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced open to reveal juicy interiors. There is a small cluster of fresh green basil leaves on the right side. Above the bowls, two small clear glass bowls have golden yellow olive oil, one infused with herbs. Also, three small white bowls hold dried herbs, coarse salt, and a mix of salt and pepper. A soft beige cloth is partly under the ricotta bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is what makes this Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a vital role—from the thick-cut rustic bread’s hearty crunch to the sweet acidity of roasted cherry tomatoes that complement the creamy ricotta. These simple components come together beautifully to create layers of texture and flavor you won’t forget.

2 slices rustic bread thick-cut: Provides a sturdy, crunchy base that holds all the toppings without sogginess.
1 cup whole milk ricotta: The rich, creamy star that adds smoothness and a slight tang to the toast.
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved: Roasting them deepens their sweetness and concentrates their flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil divided: Enhances the tomatoes’ natural flavors and brightens the ricotta’s texture.
0.25 tsp sea salt or to taste: Brings out the best in all the ingredients with just the right seasoning.
0.25 tsp black pepper freshly cracked: Adds a subtle, warming spice that balances the freshness.
Fresh basil for garnish: Offers a fragrant, herbal lift that ties every bite together.

How to Make Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven and tossing the halved cherry tomatoes with half of your olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper right on a baking sheet. Roasting them until they’re blistered and softened concentrates their sweetness and infuses them with a gentle smokiness—a crucial flavor boost that makes this toast sparkle.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

While the tomatoes roast, pop your rustic bread slices into the toaster or oven until they’re perfectly golden and crisp. The crunch here isn’t just about texture; it’s what provides that satisfying contrast to the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes, making every mouthful delightfully layered.

Step 3: Whip the Ricotta

In a mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta vigorously with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. This step transforms the ricotta from plain and dense to fluffy, smooth, and shiny, which is what allows it to spread evenly and melt into the toasted bread beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Toast

Spread the whipped ricotta generously over each slice of toasted bread, then layer the blistered cherry tomatoes on top. The combination is instantly irresistible—the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes melding with the creamy ricotta atop the crunch of your toast.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish your Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe with a handful of fresh basil leaves. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but their aromatic, slightly peppery flavor elevates the whole dish, making it as pretty as it is delicious. Serve immediately so you savor that perfect texture.

How to Serve Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe

The image shows two slices of toasted bread on a white marbled surface, each topped with a thick layer of soft white cheese spread evenly. On top of the cheese, there are bright red, halved cherry tomatoes arranged in a neat row on each slice. The tomatoes are seasoned with visible black and light-colored seeds and small green basil leaves scattered over them. The edges of the bread are golden brown and slightly crispy, adding texture to the soft cheese and juicy tomatoes. In the background, there is a small wooden bowl with more seeds or seasoning blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the classic choice for finishing this toast, but you can also experiment with microgreens, a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. Each garnish brings a new twist, letting you personalize the experience.

Side Dishes

This Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or even a light cup of vegetable soup. Together, they make a balanced meal that feels wholesome and bright, perfect for lunch or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider serving the toast on a wooden board with small bowls of extra ricotta, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Alternatively, cut the toast into smaller, bite-sized pieces to create an elegant appetizer platter that’s easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover roasted tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, the toast itself is best enjoyed fresh since the bread can lose its crispness overnight.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once assembled because the texture of fresh bread and ricotta changes after thawing. If you want to freeze components, roast a larger batch of tomatoes and store them separately so you can quickly reassemble your toast later.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the roasted tomatoes gently in a skillet or microwave, then toast fresh bread slices separately before assembling with ricotta. This method helps retain the contrasting textures that make this Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe so enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

While ricotta’s creamy and mild flavor is key to this dish, you can experiment with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a slightly different texture and tang, but it won’t be quite the same experience.

Is it necessary to roast the tomatoes?

Roasting the cherry tomatoes is highly recommended because it deepens their natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly. Raw tomatoes won’t have the same depth.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or a cashew cream, and use olive oil and fresh veggies for garnish. The flavor profile will shift but remain delicious and satisfying.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Rustic, thick-cut bread is ideal because it holds up well under the ricotta and tomatoes. Sourdough, country white, or a crusty artisan loaf all work beautifully.

How soon should I eat the toast after assembling?

For the best texture and taste, enjoy the toast immediately after assembling. The crunchiness of the bread and the warm roasted tomatoes are at their peak flavor then.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s so simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for those moments when you want something quick but a little special. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how a few humble ingredients can come together to create such a comforting, elegant dish.

Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 57 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Savory Ricotta & Tomato Toast is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring creamy whipped ricotta and blistered cherry tomatoes on rustic toasted bread, garnished with fresh basil. Perfect for a light breakfast, snack, or appetizer, it combines fresh ingredients with easy roasting and toasting techniques for a delightful taste experience.

Ingredients

Bread

2 slices rustic bread, thick-cut

Ricotta Spread

1 cup whole milk ricotta
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
0.25 tsp sea salt or to taste

Tomatoes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked

Garnish

Fresh basil leaves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until the tomatoes become blistered and slightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Toast Bread: While the tomatoes roast, toast the rustic bread slices until golden and crisp. You can use a toaster, or place them on a baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a crunchy texture.
Whip Ricotta: In the mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble Toast: Spread a generous layer of the whipped ricotta evenly over each toasted bread slice. Top with the warm roasted cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve the toast immediately while the tomatoes are warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor as the toast may become soggy if left too long.
Use thick-cut, rustic bread for optimal crispiness and to hold the toppings well.
Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh oregano or thyme for a different herbal note.
This dish can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Italian