If you’re craving a simple yet incredibly satisfying snack or light meal, the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe is an absolute delight you have to try. This vibrant combination brings together the creamy smoothness of ricotta cheese, the juicy freshness of ripe tomatoes, and the delightful crunch of toasted sesame seeds, all elevated with a drizzle of rich olive oil. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’s ready in minutes, making it an easy go-to for breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a well-balanced dish that’s fresh, creamy, crunchy, and rich all at once.
- Whole-grain or sourdough bread: Provides a sturdy, flavorful base with a satisfying crunch that holds up to toppings.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, mild richness that acts as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.
- Tomato: Brings juicy freshness and a slight tang that brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds: When toasted, they add a nutty aroma and a pleasing crunch that enhances texture complexity.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky, fruity richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that uplift and balance the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Introduce a fragrant herbal note for added freshness.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle sweet-tart depth that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your slices of bread until golden and crispy to your liking. Whether you prefer a toaster, grill pan, or oven, toasting adds texture and warmth that balances the creamy ricotta perfectly. The aroma of the toasted bread alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Spread
While the bread is toasting, take the ricotta cheese and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. For an extra touch of creaminess, mix in a small drizzle of olive oil. This step transforms the ricotta into a luscious spread that’s bursting with subtle savory notes.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Once your bread is toasted, generously spread the ricotta cheese over each slice. Don’t be shy here — the ricotta is the star base of this dish and should be layered thickly enough to create a creamy foundation for the tomatoes.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Layer thin slices of fresh tomato on top of the ricotta. Choosing ripe, juicy tomatoes will bring bright color and a refreshing tang that beautifully contrasts with the mild cheese beneath.
Step 5: Top with Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds evenly over the tomato slices. Toasting the seeds beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that makes each bite exciting.
Step 6: Finish with Olive Oil
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil lavishly over the assembled toast. This final touch adds a silky richness and a fruity aroma that elevates the entire toast to gourmet levels.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like to get a bit fancy, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a delicate drizzle of balsamic vinegar. These additions bring depth and herbaceous freshness that rounds out the dish gracefully. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of warm toast and cool toppings.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves is one of my favorite ways to complete the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe. The basil’s slightly sweet and peppery notes provide a gorgeous herbal lift. If you enjoy a little tang, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar brings an elegant complexity that complements the tomato’s natural acidity beautifully.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, offering a refreshing complement to the creamy and crunchy textures. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of warm soup for a light but satisfying meal. Fresh fruit or a small glass of chilled white wine are lovely accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the toast into fun shapes for an appetizer platter or layering the ingredients in small jars for a portable snack. For a brunch twist, top with a poached egg or sprinkle some chili flakes for a subtle kick. The Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe is so versatile that it’s easy to make your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this toast is best enjoyed fresh, if you have any leftovers, store the ricotta spread separately in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble fresh when ready. Keeping the tomatoes and toast separate helps maintain the best texture without sogginess.
Freezing
Due to the fresh tomatoes and delicate ricotta, this recipe does not freeze well. For the best experience, prepare it fresh to enjoy that perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and juicy.
Reheating
Warm the toast lightly in a toaster oven or regular oven before spreading the ricotta and assembling the toppings. The ricotta is served cold or at room temperature, so adding it after reheating preserves its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
While ricotta is preferred for its creamy texture and mild flavor, fresh goat cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind these will alter the flavor profile slightly but will still pair nicely with tomato and sesame seeds.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Any sturdy bread like whole-grain, sourdough, or artisan loaves are excellent choices. The key is to have a toast with enough structure to support the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes without becoming soggy.
How do I toast sesame seeds properly?
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and smell nutty. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt sesame seeds taste bitter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta or cashew cream. Use a vegan bread and olive oil as usual. The flavors will still shine though ricotta brings a unique creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick breakfast?
Absolutely! The Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe is ready in about 10 minutes, making it an ideal nutritious and tasty breakfast option to start your day on a delicious note.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so effortlessly wonderful about the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome, and flavorful treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you’ve experienced that creamy ricotta with juicy tomato and the toasty crunch of sesame seeds, you’ll keep coming back for more!
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Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Ricotta & Tomato Toast recipe featuring creamy ricotta cheese, fresh tomato slices, and toasted sesame seeds on crispy whole-grain or sourdough bread, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and optionally garnished with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or light snack in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
Ricotta Spread
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for creaminess
Toppings
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Toast the slices of bread to your preferred level of crispiness, either in a toaster, on a grill pan, or in the oven.
- Prepare the ricotta spread: While the bread is toasting, place the ricotta cheese in a small bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, add a drizzle of olive oil to make the ricotta creamier.
- Assemble the toast: Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese on each slice.
- Add tomatoes: Layer the fresh tomato slices evenly on top of the ricotta cheese.
- Top with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over the tomato slices to add crunch and flavor.
- Finish with olive oil: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the top of the toast and tomatoes.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy: Enjoy this fresh and flavorful toast right away to savor the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Notes
- To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry pan over medium heat and stir frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese if preferred.
- For a vegan version, use vegan ricotta alternatives and omit honey if added.
- This recipe is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the toast and sesame seeds.
- Adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) according to your taste.
