Ricotta toast is a beautifully simple dish that transforms ordinary toast into something rich, elegant, and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, the creamy ricotta base can be paired with endless toppings—from sweet fruits and honey to savory tomatoes and herbs.
It’s creamy, crunchy, customizable, and comes together in minutes. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to ricotta toast again and again.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy – Requires only a few minutes to prepare.
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Elegant Yet Simple – Ideal for brunch or a fancy snack.
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Sweet or Savory – Perfectly customizable to suit your cravings.
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Nutritious and Satisfying – Balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs.
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Beautiful for Presentation – Instagram-worthy with the right toppings!
What Is Ricotta Toast?
Ricotta toast is essentially a thick slice of toasted bread generously spread with creamy ricotta cheese, then topped with either sweet or savory ingredients. While the base remains the same, the topping combinations are limitless—from berries and honey to avocado and prosciutto.
It’s like an open-faced sandwich, but elevated by the soft, luxurious texture of ricotta cheese.
Ingredients List
For the Base:
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4 slices of bread (sourdough, rye, or whole-grain work well)
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1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for brushing the bread)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings (Sweet and Savory):
Sweet Options:
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Fresh fruits (berries, figs, peaches, bananas)
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Honey or maple syrup
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Chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
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Cinnamon or nutmeg
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Lemon zest
Savory Options:
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Cherry tomatoes, roasted or fresh
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Avocado slices
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Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley)
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Cracked black pepper and chili flakes
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Smoked salmon or prosciutto
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Drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
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Cook Time: 3–5 minutes
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Total Time: 10–15 minutes
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Servings: 2–4 (makes 4 slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ricotta Toast
Step 1: Choose and Toast the Bread
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Use sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough, rye, or rustic Italian.
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Brush lightly with olive oil or butter.
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Toast in a skillet, toaster, or oven until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Spread
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Stir the ricotta until smooth and creamy.
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Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest for brightness.
Step 3: Spread the Ricotta
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Spread a thick layer (2–3 tablespoons) on each slice of toast while it’s still warm.
Step 4: Add Toppings
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Top with either sweet or savory ingredients.
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Drizzle with honey, olive oil, or balsamic as desired.
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Sprinkle with herbs, nuts, or spices for the finishing touch.
Sweet Ricotta Toast Combinations
1. Berries + Honey
Top with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries and drizzle with honey.
2. Banana + Maple Syrup
Slice ripe bananas and drizzle with maple syrup. Add cinnamon for warmth.
3. Fig + Pistachio
Sliced fresh figs with crushed pistachios and a light honey drizzle.
4. Apple + Walnut + Cinnamon
Thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
These sweet combinations are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Savory Ricotta Toast Combinations
1. Tomato + Basil + Olive Oil
Sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and cracked pepper.
2. Avocado + Chili Flakes
Sliced or smashed avocado with red pepper flakes and lemon juice.
3. Prosciutto + Arugula
Top with thin prosciutto slices, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. Smoked Salmon + Dill
Layer with smoked salmon, capers, and chopped dill or chives.
These savory versions are perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Choosing the Best Ricotta
Whole Milk Ricotta
Provides the creamiest and richest texture.
Whipped Ricotta
Can be achieved by blending with a bit of olive oil or cream—makes it extra smooth and spreadable.
Homemade Ricotta (Optional)
Fresh ricotta can be made at home using milk, lemon juice, and salt for even more flavor.
Avoid low-fat ricotta for this recipe, as it tends to be grainier and less creamy.
Best Bread for Ricotta Toast
A sturdy slice of bread makes all the difference:
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Sourdough – Tangy and chewy, a great base for savory toppings.
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Rye Bread – Earthy and rich, excellent for smoked salmon or avocado.
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Whole Grain – Adds texture and nutrients.
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Baguette or Rustic Loaf – Ideal for smaller, crostini-style bites.
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Gluten-Free Bread – Works well when toasted and firm.
Tips for the Perfect Ricotta Toast
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Toast the bread until golden – It needs to support the toppings without getting soggy.
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Season the ricotta – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, especially in savory versions.
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Layer thoughtfully – Don’t overload; keep a balance between toast, cheese, and toppings.
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Use seasonal ingredients – Figs, berries, and tomatoes offer the best flavor when in season.
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Serve immediately – Ricotta toast is best fresh and warm.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead
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Toast the bread in advance and let it cool.
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Ricotta spread can be pre-mixed and stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.
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Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread.
Storage
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Assembled toast is best enjoyed fresh.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few hours but may lose texture.
Nutritional Overview (Per Slice – Approximate)
Type Calories Protein Carbs Fat Sweet 220–270 7–9g 25g 10–12g Savory 230–280 8–10g 20g 12–14g
These values vary depending on bread and toppings, but ricotta toast is generally a well-balanced snack or meal.
Serving Suggestions
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With Salad – A fresh green salad pairs perfectly with savory ricotta toast.
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With Fruit – Pair sweet versions with citrus or melon for a light breakfast.
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As Appetizers – Serve on smaller toasts (crostini) at parties.
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Brunch Boards – Arrange various toasts with sweet and savory toppings for an impressive spread.
Ricotta Toast for Kids
This recipe is also kid-friendly. Try these topping combos:
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Ricotta + strawberries + honey
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Ricotta + banana + peanut butter drizzle
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Ricotta + cucumber slices + salt and pepper
Kids can help assemble their own toast, making it a fun kitchen activity.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta?
You can, but it may be less creamy. Whole milk ricotta is best for texture and flavor.
Is ricotta toast healthy?
Yes! It’s a protein-rich, balanced option depending on your toppings.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try vegan ricotta made from almonds or tofu for a plant-based version.
Can I use whipped cream cheese instead?
You can substitute it, but ricotta offers a lighter, less tangy flavor.
Can I grill the toast?
Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor and rustic texture.
Conclusion
Ricotta toast is one of those magical recipes that feels indulgent yet is so easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dish that works for any meal or occasion. Sweet, savory, or somewhere in between—there’s a ricotta toast for every palate.