Name: Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 slices of rustic bread (such as sourdough or whole grain); 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess); 2 medium tomatoes (sliced); 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil (optional, for garnish); 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack? Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is an absolute winner. It combines creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil, all served on crispy toasted bread with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect crunch. It’s simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious – the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What’s not to love about Ricotta & Tomato Toast? The balance of textures – creamy, crispy, and juicy – creates a satisfying bite every time. The ricotta provides a smooth, rich base, while the tomatoes add a burst of freshness. The sesame seeds bring a mild nuttiness and crunch, and the olive oil ties everything together with its fruity, savory touch. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be thrown together in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious toast. The full ingredient list is below!

Fresh ricotta cheese
Ripe tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or heirloom work great)
Whole grain or sourdough bread (or your preferred type)
Olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
Sesame seeds (toasted or plain)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by toasting your slices of bread to your preferred level of crispiness. You can either use a toaster or grill the bread on a skillet with a little olive oil for an extra crispy, golden texture. Set the toasted bread aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

While the bread is toasting, slice your tomatoes into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. If you’re using large tomatoes, you may want to remove some of the seeds and pulp to keep things less watery. If using cherry tomatoes, simply halve them.

Step 3: Spread the Ricotta

Once the toast is ready, spread a generous layer of fresh ricotta on each slice. The ricotta should be creamy and spread easily, but if it’s too thick, you can loosen it up with a little olive oil or lemon juice.

Step 4: Layer the Tomatoes

Top the ricotta with the sliced tomatoes. Arrange them artfully across the toast, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can overlap them or layer them neatly – however you prefer.

Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle the toast generously with extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil adds richness and ties all the flavors together, so don’t skimp on it!

Step 6: Add Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle the toast with toasted sesame seeds for a lovely crunch and mild nutty flavor. The sesame seeds add an extra layer of texture and make the toast more satisfying.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you want to take it up a notch, add some fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh ricotta: For the best flavor, use fresh ricotta. It’s light, creamy, and less tangy than the store-bought kind, which makes it the perfect spread for this dish.
Don’t over-toast the bread: While you want a crispy base, be careful not to over-toast the bread to the point where it becomes too hard to bite into. A golden, crisp edge with a soft center is ideal.
Add a balsamic drizzle: If you want a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle some balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction on top of the tomatoes. It pairs beautifully with the ricotta and adds extra depth to the dish.
Make it a meal: If you want to turn this toast into a more substantial meal, add a poached or fried egg on top. The rich, runny yolk will add even more creaminess and make the dish feel more complete.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Tomato alternatives: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can swap them out for roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even thinly sliced avocado. The ricotta will still pair beautifully with these options.
Cheese alternatives: If ricotta isn’t your thing, try using mascarpone, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
Bread variations: While any bread works here, try experimenting with different types like a hearty rye or a gluten-free option if you need a gluten-free version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil makes for an excellent light lunch or a snack with a salad. Pair it with a fresh green salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, for a refreshing contrast. If you’re enjoying this dish for breakfast, a soft-boiled egg or poached egg on top would make a lovely addition.

It also pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a chilled glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This toast is best enjoyed immediately while the bread is still crisp. However, if you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store the ricotta and tomato mixture separately in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The bread will lose its crunch once stored, so it’s best to toast it fresh when serving again.

The garlic-dill yogurt sauce can also be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just stir well before serving again.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Absolutely! While fresh ricotta is ideal, good-quality store-bought ricotta will work just fine. Look for one with a smooth texture and rich flavor.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free bread of your choice, and the recipe will still be just as delicious.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While the toast itself is best when fresh, you can prepare the ricotta and tomato topping in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and assemble the toast just before serving.

4. Can I add more toppings?
Definitely! You can add a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a dash of chili flakes for heat. Avocado, olives, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan are great additions if you’re feeling creative.

Conclusion

Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is the perfect dish for any occasion – whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast or putting together a light meal. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, with fresh, vibrant flavors that are sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy the crisp, creamy, and tangy goodness that comes with every bite!

Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for toasting the bread)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (1 toast per serving) 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Appetizer
Method: Toasting, Assembling
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a simple, fresh, and delicious dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil on toasted bread. Topped with crunchy sesame seeds and a pinch of salt, this dish is perfect as a light breakfast, snack, or appetizer. The contrast of textures—from the crispy toast to the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes—makes every bite a satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 slices of rustic bread (such as sourdough or whole grain)
1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Toast the bread: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Prepare the ricotta spread: While the bread is toasting, place the ricotta cheese in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter version, stir in a teaspoon of honey.
Assemble the toast: Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese onto each slice.
Top with tomatoes: Layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the ricotta cheese.
Finish with sesame seeds and olive oil: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the tomatoes and drizzle the entire toast with extra olive oil for richness.
Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately as a light meal or snack.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar or lemon zest over the top.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique twist.
If you prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
For a more filling dish, add some sliced avocado or a poached egg on top.