If you’re craving a snack or light meal that bursts with freshness and warmth, look no further than this Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe. It’s a bright, comforting combination of creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, nutty sesame seeds, and the rich depth of olive oil, all resting on perfectly toasted bread. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something unexpectedly delightful and nourishing — a perfect go-to whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a cozy afternoon bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires, yet each one is a key player, bringing its own texture, flavor, and character to the dish. From the creamy ricotta to the crisp bread and nutty sesame seeds, every element shines.
- Crusty sourdough or whole grain bread: Choose a sturdy bread that toasts beautifully and provides a satisfying crunch.
- Fresh ricotta cheese: The star of the show, ricotta offers a luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful tomatoes are essential for that bright, fresh taste.
- Lightly toasted sesame seeds: Adds a wonderful nutty crunch and a subtle earthiness to each bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle elevates the entire dish with its fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors and tie everything together.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread to Golden Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toast the slices of your chosen crusty bread until they turn a delightful golden brown and have that perfect crunch. This warm base will hold up nicely to all the toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the fresh ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it gently until the texture becomes smooth and creamy. This seasoning will enhance the natural milky flavor of the ricotta, making every bite luscious.
Step 3: Slice the Tomatoes Thick and Juicy
Grab your ripest heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes and slice them into thick rounds. The thickness helps the tomatoes maintain their juicy texture on top of the toast without sliding off.
Step 4: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous layer of your ricotta mixture evenly onto each slice of toasted bread. Then, layer the thick tomato slices on top so every forkful captures that creamy and fresh contrast.
Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil
Sprinkle a handful of lightly toasted sesame seeds over the tomato layer to introduce a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness. Finish by drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the top right before serving to add richness and a glossy, appetizing sheen.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives offer an added burst of herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savory elements. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a hint of heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tangy gazpacho for a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a soft-boiled egg or some roasted potatoes drizzled with rosemary and garlic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting your toast into smaller crostini and serving it as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Layering different colored heirloom tomatoes can make the dish vibrant and visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the toast components separately: keep the ricotta mixture and sliced tomatoes in airtight containers in the fridge, and the toasted bread wrapped tightly at room temperature to allow it to retain its crunch.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, as the texture of fresh tomatoes and ricotta changes significantly when thawed, becoming watery or grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh to capture its full flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy the toast warm, gently re-toast the bread slices in the oven, then add the ricotta, tomatoes, sesame seeds, and olive oil afterward to preserve their fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While you can use various breads, crusty sourdough or whole grain breads work best because of their sturdy texture and ability to hold up against the moist ricotta and tomatoes without becoming soggy.
Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds?
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and gives a pleasant crunch, but if you’re short on time, you can use raw sesame seeds—though the flavor will be milder.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Ricotta’s mild creaminess is unique to this dish, but if needed, a smooth cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used, though the taste and texture will be slightly different.
How ripe should the tomatoes be?
Tomatoes should be ripe but firm to the touch. Overripe tomatoes may release too much juice, making the toast soggy, while underripe ones won’t provide the same sweetness and juiciness.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap fresh ricotta for a creamy plant-based alternative and use vegan bread and olive oil to keep the recipe deliciously plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe isn’t just a snack — it’s a little bite of happiness that’s easy to make but leaves a lasting impression. The blend of textures and flavors feels so vibrant and fresh, making it a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something simple but full of character. I hope you give this a try and find the same joy in every perfectly balanced bite.
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Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast recipe combines creamy fresh ricotta cheese with juicy heirloom tomatoes, topped with lightly toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a simple yet flavorful breakfast or snack. Perfectly toasted crusty sourdough or whole grain bread provides the perfect base for this quick and delicious dish.
Ingredients
Toast
- 2 slices crusty sourdough or whole grain bread
Ricotta Mixture
- 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2–3 ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced thick
- 1 teaspoon lightly toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the slices of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: While the bread is toasting, combine the fresh ricotta cheese in a bowl with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
- Slice the tomatoes: Cut the heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes into thick, even slices, ensuring they are juicy and ready to top the toast.
- Assemble the toast: Spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta mixture on each slice of toasted bread. Arrange the thick tomato slices evenly on top of the ricotta layer.
- Add final toppings: Sprinkle the lightly toasted sesame seeds over the tomato slices. Finish by drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the assembled toast for added richness and flavor. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor contrast with the ricotta.
- Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes over medium heat for enhanced nuttiness before sprinkling.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra freshness.
- This recipe is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the toast.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute ricotta with a plant-based soft cheese.
