If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful meal or snack, this Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is the perfect choice. The creamy ricotta, paired with juicy, fresh tomatoes, creates a deliciously balanced topping for your toast. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of olive oil bring in just the right amount of crunch and richness, making this dish light yet satisfying. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or even a light dinner, this toast is both comforting and refreshing at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Fresh, creamy, and savory with a nice crunch from the sesame seeds
- Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Versatile – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack
- Packed with flavor and texture, but light and healthy
- Uses pantry staples you likely already have at home
Ingredients
- Sliced bread (preferably rustic or sourdough)
- Ricotta cheese
- Ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Olive oil
- Sesame seeds (toasted or raw)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Toast the Bread
Start by toasting the slices of bread until golden and crisp. You can use a toaster, or if you prefer a bit more char, toast it in a skillet or under the broiler. The goal is a crispy base that can support the toppings.
Spread the Ricotta
Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice. The ricotta adds a creamy and rich flavor that balances out the fresh tomatoes and sesame seeds.
Add the Tomato Slices
Place the tomato slices on top of the ricotta. You can layer them as thick or thin as you like, but make sure each slice gets a good amount of tomato for maximum flavor.
Season with Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper
Drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the tomatoes and ricotta. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The olive oil will add richness and enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
Sprinkle Sesame Seeds
Top the toast with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can use raw or toasted sesame seeds, depending on your preference. Toasted sesame seeds will add an extra layer of nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.
Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, add some fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic touch. Slice the toast in half if desired, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes are especially tasty if available.
- If you want a bit of extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar or honey on top.
- For a heartier version, you can add a thin slice of avocado or even a poached egg on top.
- If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or even pine nuts for a different texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ricotta for cream cheese or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor profile.
- For a more savory twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tomatoes.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or even rice cakes as the base.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast is great on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad or soup for a more filling meal. It pairs especially well with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. It’s also perfect alongside a glass of white wine or iced tea for a casual yet delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Since this toast is best served fresh, it’s recommended to prepare and enjoy it immediately. The bread can get soggy if left with the ricotta and tomato topping for too long. If you have leftovers, store the ricotta and tomato mixture separately from the toasted bread. Keep the ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and re-toast the bread before assembling the toast again.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ricotta and slice the tomatoes ahead of time. Just assemble the toast right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone, goat cheese, or even cream cheese instead of ricotta for a slightly different flavor and texture.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Rustic bread like sourdough or a baguette works best because it holds up well with the toppings. However, you can use any bread you like, including whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add things like olives, roasted red peppers, or even a few dollops of pesto for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a simple, yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy sesame seeds makes for an incredibly satisfying toast that’s light but full of flavor. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, it’s a dish that will always hit the spot!
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Ricotta-Topped Tomato Toast with Sesame and Olive Oil Bliss
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (adjusted to include extra servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Light Meal
- Method: Toasting, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a simple, yet delicious breakfast or snack that combines creamy ricotta cheese with fresh, juicy tomatoes, all served on crispy toasted bread. The addition of sesame seeds and a drizzle of olive oil brings out the earthy, nutty flavors, making this a light, yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Begin by toasting the slices of bread to your desired crispness. You can either use a toaster, oven, or skillet.
- Prepare the ricotta: While the bread is toasting, spread the ricotta cheese evenly onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Assemble the toast: Arrange the tomato slices on top of the ricotta cheese.
- Toast sesame seeds: In a small pan, lightly toast the sesame seeds over low heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the toast and tomatoes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Use heirloom tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- You can also serve this with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of toast
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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