Ricotta Tomato Toasts

$- 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or ciabatta) - A pinch of chili flakes for heat - Medium-sized bowl - Baking sheet or grill pan - Small bowl for mixing - Spoon for serving - Oven or toaster oven {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium-sized bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix it well. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. While the tomatoes sit, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the slices of crusty bread and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden, crispy texture. You can also grill the bread for a smoky flavor! In a small bowl, take your ricotta cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine the seasoning into the cheese. This will make your ricotta extra tasty. Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta on each slice. Be sure to cover the entire surface for a rich flavor. Now, spoon the marinated cherry tomato mixture over the ricotta. Spread it evenly across the toasts. If you like some heat, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes on top. Finally, add extra fresh basil leaves for a beautiful garnish. Serve your Ricotta Tomato Toasts warm. They make a great appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy them with a refreshing drink or a simple salad. For the best Ricotta Tomato Toasts, choose crusty bread. I love sourdough or ciabatta. These types hold the toppings well. They also add a nice crunch. You want a bread that toasts nicely and has great texture. Avoid soft breads; they won't give you that perfect bite. To boost the taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil makes a big difference. Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. The balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tang. Make sure to let the tomato mixture sit. This helps the flavors mix well. A drizzle of quality olive oil on top is a must. It adds richness and depth to your toasts. Prep your ingredients in advance. Chop tomatoes and basil the night before. This way, you save time when cooking. Use a toaster oven for easy toasting. You can toast multiple slices at once. If you are in a rush, skip the marinating step. Just mix everything and go! Your toasts will still taste great. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil to enhance the flavor of your toasts. Experiment with Breads: Try different types of crusty bread, like focaccia or baguette, for a unique twist on the classic toast. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or thyme to the ricotta for extra depth of flavor. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the toasts right after assembling them to maintain the crispiness of the bread. {{image_2}} You can change the toppings for your Ricotta Tomato Toasts. Try adding roasted peppers or olives. Fresh arugula gives a nice peppery taste too. For cheese lovers, sprinkle some feta or goat cheese on top. You can also drizzle honey for a sweet twist. Each topping brings a new flavor. If you want to boost protein, add sliced chicken or smoked salmon. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adding an egg, either poached or fried, makes it a filling meal. These protein options make the dish more satisfying and nutritious. Use seasonal ingredients to keep it fresh. In summer, ripe heirloom tomatoes shine. Fall brings squash or roasted pumpkin. In winter, use sautéed greens or Brussels sprouts. Each season offers unique flavors that enhance your toasts. Adjusting your toppings with the seasons keeps every bite exciting. You can keep leftover Ricotta Tomato Toasts in the fridge. Place the toasts in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days. The bread may get soft, but the flavors will still shine. To reheat, simply pop the toasts in a toaster or oven. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the bread regain its crispness. You can also microwave them, but the bread won't be as crunchy. Freezing these toasts is a great option if you have extra. Assemble the toasts but do not add the tomato mixture. Wrap each toast in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to a month in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese works well. These cheeses offer a creamy texture. They also add a different flavor. Try feta for a salty kick. Just remember, the taste will change. Experiment until you find your favorite! To make Ricotta Tomato Toasts gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty options. Check the labels to ensure they are safe. You can also use lettuce wraps. This way, you skip the bread altogether. Enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten! These toasts pair well with many dishes. A fresh green salad makes a great side. You could also serve them with soup. A light tomato or basil soup complements the flavors. For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. It adds a nice touch and refreshes the palate. In this post, we explored how to make rich Ricotta Tomato Toasts. We discussed key ingredients, kitchen tools, and easy steps to prepare this dish. I shared tips to enhance flavor and speed up prep time. You also learned about tasty variations and storage options. Remember, this toast is flexible and fun. Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Enjoy creating your perfect Ricotta Tomato Toasts. I can't wait for you to try it!$

Delicious toasts topped with creamy ricotta and marinated cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
4 slices crusty bread
a pinch chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy.
In a small bowl, season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix it gently.
Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta on each slice.
Spoon the marinated cherry tomato mixture over the ricotta on each toast.
Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes over the tops if you like a little heat, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Enjoy your delicious Ricotta Tomato Toasts warm as a delightful appetizer or a light meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, grill the bread instead of toasting.

Keyword appetizer, easy, ricotta, toast, tomato