Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones. Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes just minutes to throw together. Creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, nutty sesame seeds, and a drizzle of good olive oil on crispy toast—it’s fresh, light, and totally satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a light lunch, this toast will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes!
- Fresh & Flavorful – A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, breakfast, or appetizer.
- Healthy & Light – Packed with protein from ricotta and nutrients from tomatoes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (full list below):
- Good-quality bread (sourdough, whole grain, or baguette)
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- Ripe cherry or heirloom tomatoes
- Sesame seeds for crunch and nuttiness
- Extra virgin olive oil for richness
- Salt, pepper, and fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Lightly toast your bread slices in a toaster or in a pan with a bit of olive oil until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes
Slice the cherry or heirloom tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous layer of ricotta on each toast. Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 4: Finish with Olive Oil & Seasoning
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add fresh basil if you like.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy immediately while the toast is still crisp!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – With simple recipes like this, good bread, fresh ricotta, and ripe tomatoes make all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil – A good drizzle enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds – Lightly toasting them in a dry pan brings out their nuttiness.
- Add a Little Honey – A drizzle of honey balances the flavors if you like a touch of sweetness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Switch the Cheese – Try goat cheese, burrata, or feta instead of ricotta.
- Make It Vegan – Swap ricotta for mashed avocado or a plant-based cheese.
- Add Some Heat – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Extra Crunch – Top with crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- With a Side Salad – A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad complements the flavors well.
- As a Brunch Dish – Serve with poached eggs or smoked salmon for a heartier meal.
- With a Glass of Wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
- As an Appetizer – Cut into smaller pieces for a simple but elegant starter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Best Fresh – This toast is best enjoyed immediately.
- To Make Ahead – Prep the ricotta spread and slice the tomatoes ahead of time, then assemble when ready to eat.
- Reheating? Not recommended, as the bread will soften.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fresh and high quality. For extra creaminess, whip it with a little olive oil.
2. What kind of bread works best?
Sourdough, baguette, or whole grain bread all work well—just go for something sturdy.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
4. What if I don’t have sesame seeds?
You can swap them for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even chopped nuts.
Conclusion
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors. It’s quick, easy, and makes for a satisfying meal any time of the day. Try it out and let me know how you like it!
PrintRicotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil – A Simple, Flavorful Bite
Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a delightful and simple dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, juicy tomatoes, and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds, all drizzled with rich olive oil. This versatile recipe makes for a perfect breakfast, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Toasting and Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sourdough or rustic bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, halved
Instructions
- Toast the Bread:
- Lightly toast the bread slices until golden brown. For an added layer of flavor, gently rub the toasted bread with the cut side of the garlic clove.
- Prepare the Ricotta:
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance its creaminess and flavor.
- Assemble the Toasts:
- Spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta onto each toasted bread slice.
- Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the ricotta layer.
- Finish with Toppings:
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomato-topped toasts.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the toasts immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.
Notes
- Variations: For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the tomato slices before assembling the toasts. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as multigrain or ciabatta, to suit your preference.
- Storage: These toasts are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep the toasted bread, ricotta mixture, and tomato slices separate, and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg