If you’re searching for a vibrant, satisfying bite that’s as cozy as it is impressive, let me introduce you to Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil. This Mediterranean-inspired creation brings plush, creamy ricotta and juicy cherry tomatoes to crisp, golden toast, all finished with a flourish of nutty sesame seeds, a luxurious drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s sunshine for your plate and soul, equally perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick, nourishing snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for robust flavor and color, and when united, the result is downright irresistible. Don’t skimp on quality; every bite shines brightest when you use the freshest, best-tasting ingredients you can find.
- Crusty sourdough or multigrain bread (4 slices): Choose a hearty, rustic bread that’ll toast up with crunch and hold the toppings beautifully.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (1 cup): Opt for whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess and subtle sweetness—spreadable perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved or sliced (1 cup): Sweet, colorful, and bursting with juice, these little tomatoes add a pop of flavor and juiciness to each bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, plus more for drizzling): A peppery, fruity olive oil ties everything together and adds gorgeous sheen and richness.
- Sesame seeds, toasted (1 teaspoon): These tiny seeds offer a nutty snap and a little extra crunch—plus they look stunning.
- Flaky sea salt (½ teaspoon): Big, crystalline flakes of salt heighten the flavors and provide a lovely finishing touch.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a little for warmth and an aromatic kick to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish): If you have basil, those fragrant green leaves make this toast sing even louder.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your bread slices until they’re golden and crisp. You want a robust base that can hold creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes—so don’t be shy about letting them get nice and toasty. If you have a grill pan, even better: those charred lines add a fantastic smokiness to the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil.
Step 2: Spread the Ricotta
While the bread is still warm from the toaster (or pan), spread about a quarter cup of ricotta cheese over each slice. If you want extra creaminess, try whipping the ricotta with a spoon for a few seconds before you spread—it gets deliciously fluffy and light, perfect for supporting those juicy tomatoes.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Pile on the cherry tomato halves or slices. Arrange them generously and playfully so every bite will get a burst of sweet, summery tomato. Press them gently into the ricotta so they stay put but remain visibly bright and fresh.
Step 4: Drizzle, Sprinkle, and Finish
This is where Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil truly shines. Drizzle good-quality olive oil over the top, letting it pool into the nooks. Shower with toasted sesame seeds for that irresistible crunch, then finish off with a pinch of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. If you love a little fresh green, scatter some basil leaves over for a final flourish.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil
Garnishes
Garnishing turns a simple toast into something special and worthy of any brunch table. Besides basil, you might add lemon zest for bright citrus notes, or a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweet tang. These little touches take Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with crisp salads (think peppery arugula with lemon), summery fruit like watermelon or peaches, or maybe a soft-boiled egg for added protein. Serve alongside a sparkling lemonade or iced coffee for maximum Mediterranean-inspired delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful vibe, cut each slice into halves or quarters and arrange on a platter for party-ready bites. Or, layer the toasts on a big wooden cutting board, sprinkle with edible flowers, and add bowls of extra olive oil or balsamic glaze for drizzling. Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is gorgeous enough for company and cozy enough for lunch at your kitchen counter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover assembled toast, it’s best to eat it the same day—otherwise, the bread can get soggy from the ricotta and juices. If you know you’ll have extras, store the ricotta, tomatoes, and bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble right before eating to maintain that fresh crunch.
Freezing
Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a dish best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the toasted bread slices on their own. Simply cool the toast completely, wrap it well, and freeze. Thaw and re-crisp it in the toaster before assembling with ricotta and toppings.
Reheating
To bring cold or leftover bread back to life, pop it in a toaster or sandwich press briefly. Warm up the ricotta just a touch if it’s very cold from the fridge, then assemble with tomatoes and toppings. Never microwave finished toast, as it becomes limp and loses its delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread for Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil?
Absolutely! While sourdough and multigrain hold up beautifully, you could use any sturdy artisan bread you enjoy. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold the creamy and juicy toppings without falling apart.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients in Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adapt to all kinds of dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute a creamy vegan ricotta for the dairy version. Many stores now carry plant-based ricotta made from nuts or tofu, and they work wonderfully with the tomatoes, olive oil, and sesame seeds.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No cherry tomatoes? Try sliced heirloom tomatoes, roma tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is happily flexible with whatever ripe tomatoes you have on hand.
Do I have to toast the sesame seeds myself?
While you can buy pre-toasted sesame seeds, toasting them yourself in a dry skillet for a few minutes makes a big difference in flavor and aroma. It’s a tiny extra step that rewards you with a nuttier, richer topping for your toast.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself a treat and try making Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil at home—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can turn into such a delightful, colorful, and crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re serving it to friends or just indulging at your own kitchen counter, this recipe brings a little luxury to even the busiest day. Enjoy every bite!
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Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 toasts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this delicious Ricotta & Tomato Toast topped with sesame seeds, olive oil, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Creamy ricotta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil come together on crispy sourdough slices for a satisfying and simple treat.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices crusty sourdough or multigrain bread (toasted)
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Tomato Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or sliced)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted)
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread Ricotta: While the bread is warm, spread about ¼ cup of ricotta cheese on each slice.
- Add Tomatoes: Top each slice evenly with sliced cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle & Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, and black pepper.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider drizzling with balsamic glaze or lemon zest.
- This toast is a great light lunch or brunch option.
- Whipped ricotta can be used for a creamier spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
