Ingredients
Scale
- 2-4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, whole grain, or ciabatta)
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese, at room temperature
- 1-2 medium ripe tomatoes (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes), sliced
- 4-6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, halved
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Toast the Bread – Place bread slices in toaster, toaster oven, or under the broiler. Toast until golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender inside, about 3-5 minutes depending on your method. You want a good crunch that can support the toppings without getting soggy! If using an oven, toast at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Optional Garlic Rub – While bread is still warm from toasting, lightly rub one side of each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove. This adds subtle garlic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor!
- Prepare the Ricotta – If your ricotta is straight from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for creamier spreading (about 15 minutes). If it seems watery, drain in a fine-mesh strainer for 10 minutes. You can season the ricotta itself by mixing it with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl, or simply spread it plain and season on top.
- Slice the Tomatoes – Using a sharp knife, slice your tomatoes just before assembling. For large tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch thick rounds or half-moons. For cherry tomatoes, slice them in half. Pat tomatoes gently with a paper towel if they’re very juicy to prevent excessive moisture on your toast.
- Spread the Ricotta – Generously spread ricotta cheese over each piece of toasted bread, about ¼ cup per slice (or more if you’re feeling indulgent!). Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create an even layer, spreading all the way to the edges. Some people like to create decorative swirls in the ricotta for Instagram-worthy presentation!
- Arrange the Tomatoes – Layer the tomato slices artfully over the ricotta. You can overlap them, arrange them in rows, or create a beautiful pattern – whatever looks appealing to you! If using cherry tomatoes, nestle the halves cut-side up into the ricotta. Don’t overcrowd – you want to taste both the ricotta and tomatoes.
- Add Fresh Basil – Tear the fresh basil leaves into pieces (tearing rather than cutting prevents bruising) and scatter them over the tomatoes. You can also leave some leaves whole for a prettier presentation. The basil should be added at the end so it stays vibrant and aromatic.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil – Drizzle each toast generously with extra virgin olive oil – about 1-2 teaspoons per toast. Don’t be shy with the olive oil; it brings all the flavors together and adds luxurious richness!
- Season Generously – Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt (this is crucial – don’t skip!) and several cracks of fresh black pepper. The salt really makes all the flavors pop. Taste a tiny bit and adjust if needed.
- Optional Finishing Touches – If desired, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweet-tart depth, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a few shavings of fresh lemon zest for brightness.
- Serve Immediately – Transfer to plates and serve right away while the bread is still warm and crispy. These toasts are best eaten fresh, as the tomatoes will release moisture and can make the bread soggy if they sit too long. Enjoy with a fork and knife or pick up and eat like an open-faced sandwich!
Notes
- Bread Choice: Thicker slices (¾-1 inch) work best to support toppings without getting soggy.
- Ricotta Quality: Fresh, whole milk ricotta makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Tomato Ripeness: Use the ripest tomatoes possible for best flavor. Room temperature is ideal.
- Draining Watery Ricotta: If ricotta is watery, drain it first for better texture.
- Timing: Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy toast.
- Scaling: Recipe easily doubles, triples, or quadruples for a crowd!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg