Tomato, Ricotta, and Basil on Toast (20 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

This tomato, ricotta, and basil toast is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients.

This delightful combination brings together the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, and the aromatic freshness of basil, all served on a slice of perfectly toasted bread.

Ideal for a satisfying snack or light meal, this dish is a testament to how a few high-quality ingredients can create something magical.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as sourdough or artisan bread)
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: balsamic glaze, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder for added flavor

Instructions

  1. Toast the Bread (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thick-cut bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in a toaster or skillet for a more charred effect.
  2. Prepare the Toppings (10 minutes): While the bread is toasting, slice the tomatoes into even rounds. Season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper, and if desired, mix in some garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  3. Assemble the Toast (5 minutes): Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice of toasted bread. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the ricotta.
  4. Add Final Touches (2 minutes): Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes. Drizzle each toast with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an additional burst of flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  5. Serve (3 minutes): Serve the tomato, ricotta, and basil toast immediately, enjoying the contrast of the warm, crispy bread with the cool, fresh toppings.

Notes

For the best results, opt for a high-quality sourdough or artisan bread. The bread should have a sturdy crust and a soft interior to provide the perfect base for the toppings.

Don’t overlook the importance of seasoning the ricotta. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and even a dash of garlic powder can enhance its flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red chili flakes can add a nice zing.

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes, when in season, can provide an excellent taste and a beautiful aesthetic to the dish. Slice them evenly to ensure each bite has the right balance of tomato and ricotta. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Pair this with...

Simple Tomato Soup

Start with a can of whole tomatoes; they're a trusty shortcut to rich flavor. In a pot, sauté a diced onion until it’s soft. Add in a couple cloves of minced garlic, and let those aromatic buddies mingle. Pour in your tomatoes, break 'em up a bit, and add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. For depth, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Now, blend it until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a touch of cream for extra richness. Serve hot.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

"Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab some fresh asparagus stalks and snap off the woody ends—no knife needed, they'll naturally break where the tender part starts. Then, take a slice of thin prosciutto and wrap it snugly around each asparagus stalk, spiraling from one end to the other. Lay these wrapped beauties side by side on a baking tray. A sprinkle of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil will amplify the flavors. Slide them into the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You're aiming for the prosciutto to crisp up a bit and the asparagus to be tender yet still have some bite. When they're ready, plate them up, maybe with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Hearty Italian Beef Sandwiches (10 Minutes + Slow Cook Time)

Honey Chipotle Chicken with Nectarine Salsa (1 Hour)

Creamy Tortellini Alfredo (25 Minutes)

Spicy Mushroom Lasagna (1 Hr, 25 Mins)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!