Ingredients
- 2 thick slices artisan bread (sourdough, rustic white, or whole grain)
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (about 4 oz), drained if watery
- 2-3 tablespoons high-quality honey
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
- 1-2 teaspoons butter or olive oil (optional, for brushing bread)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, mint)
- Lemon zest
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
If desired, lightly brush both sides of your bread slices with melted butter or olive oil. This step is optional but creates an extra-golden, flavorful crust. Toast the bread slices in your toaster or toaster oven until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes depending on your toaster settings. You want the bread well-toasted so it stays crispy under the creamy ricotta.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta (Optional)
While the bread toasts, if you want an extra-creamy texture, place the ricotta in a small bowl and whisk it for 30 seconds with a fork or small whisk. This lightens the texture and makes it easier to spread. This step is optional – ricotta is delicious straight from the container too.
Step 3: Spread the Ricotta
Once your toast is ready, immediately spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice while the bread is still warm. Use about ¼ cup (2 oz) of ricotta per slice. Spread it all the way to the edges for full coverage, or leave a small border if you prefer. The warmth of the toast will slightly soften the ricotta, creating a lovely creamy texture.
Step 4: Drizzle with Honey
Generously drizzle 1 to 1½ tablespoons of honey over each ricotta-topped toast. You can create artistic swirls or simply drizzle it back and forth. Don’t be shy with the honey – it’s a key flavor component. The honey should pool slightly in spots while also coating the ricotta.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each toast. This is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors. If using any optional toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or herbs, add them now while the toast is still warm.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your ricotta honey toast immediately while the bread is still crispy and slightly warm. The contrast between the warm, crispy toast and the cool, creamy ricotta is part of what makes this dish so special.
Notes
- Ricotta Texture: If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for 15-20 minutes before using. This prevents soggy toast and creates a better texture.
- Bread Selection: Day-old bread toasts better than fresh bread and stays crispier longer.
- Make It Vegan: Use cashew ricotta or almond ricotta instead of dairy ricotta, and substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for honey.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 2 large toasts, perfect for 2 people or 1 very hungry person!
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: This toast is best eaten immediately. The bread will soften if it sits too long with the ricotta on top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 28mg