If you’re craving a snack that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to make, you have to try the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe. This delightful dish combines creamy ricotta, juicy tomato slices, and the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds, all elevated by the smooth richness of extra virgin olive oil. It’s perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch, or an elegant appetizer that feels both fresh and indulgent. Every ingredient sings, creating a beautiful harmony that’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table, whether it’s creamy texture, a burst of brightness, or that irresistible crunch. All you need are a few essentials that make a big impact.
- Whole-grain or sourdough bread: Provides a hearty, crunchy base that holds up well to the toppings.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious, creamy layer that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Medium tomato: Thinly sliced to bring juicy freshness and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted to unlock their nutty aroma and delightful crunch.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and a silky finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fragrant touch and beautiful presentation.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): A drizzle adds a hint of sweetness and tang for complexity.
How to Make Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your chosen bread slices to golden perfection. Whether you prefer whole-grain or sourdough, a beautifully crisp slice is essential—it provides the perfect contrast to the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes that come next. Use a toaster, grill pan, or oven, depending on what you have handy.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Spread
While your bread is getting toasty, take a small bowl and season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra creamy texture, drizzle a bit of olive oil into the ricotta and stir it gently. This step boosts both flavor and richness, making your toast extra satisfying.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Once your bread is toasted just right, spread a generous amount of the seasoned ricotta on each slice. Don’t be shy here—a thick, creamy layer is key to the deliciousness of this recipe.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Layer thin slices of fresh tomato on top of the ricotta-covered bread. The juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy cheese and add a burst of summertime color.
Step 5: Top with Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the tomato slices. Their nutty aroma and tiny crunch will elevate every bite, transforming your toast from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Finish with Olive Oil
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top of the assembled toast. This final touch adds a luxurious, silky layer that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For an optional but highly recommended step, add fresh basil leaves to your toast for a burst of herbaceous brightness. If you like a little tang, a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar will deepen the flavor profile beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful mix of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a fantastic finishing touch that adds color, aroma, and a slight peppery hint that pairs wonderfully with ricotta and tomato. You can also experiment with microgreens or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs well with light salads, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or baby spinach with toasted nuts. It’s also great alongside a bowl of soup or a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea to keep things bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, consider cutting the toast into smaller squares for easy finger food. Layering multiple toasts with different tomato varieties—heirloom, cherry, or even sun-dried—adds a stunning variety of colors and flavors. Don’t forget to drizzle olive oil artistically for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this delicious Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe, store the components separately for best results. Keep the ricotta spread in an airtight container and the toasted bread wrapped to maintain crispness. Tomatoes are best sliced fresh but can be kept in the fridge if needed.
Freezing
Since the toast relies on fresh ingredients for its magic, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the bread and freshness of the tomatoes won’t hold up well after thawing, and the sesame seeds may lose their crunch.
Reheating
If your bread has gone cold, quickly re-toast it before assembling your toast. The fresh ricotta, tomatoes, and sesame seeds are best enjoyed fresh and should not be reheated to preserve their flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! While ricotta gives this toast its signature creamy, mild profile, you can experiment with fresh goat cheese, cream cheese, or even feta for a tangier bite. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How do I toast sesame seeds perfectly?
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell nutty. Watch carefully, as they can burn quickly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace ricotta with a plant-based cheese spread or a thick vegan yogurt. Make sure your bread and olive oil are vegan-friendly, and skip any optional honey or dairy-based garnishes.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for this recipe due to its fruity, robust flavor and smooth texture. It adds richness and a fresh finish that complements the ricotta and tomato beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture and flavor of the crispy bread and juicy tomatoes. You can prep the ricotta spread ahead, but assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and elegance of the Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe. It’s a breeze to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect any time you want to treat yourself or impress guests with minimal fuss. Do yourself a favor and whip up a batch soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta & Tomato Toast with Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil is a quick and delicious snack or light meal. Featuring creamy seasoned ricotta spread over toasted whole-grain bread, topped with fresh tomato slices, crunchy toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this recipe combines fresh, simple ingredients for a flavorful and nutritious treat. Optionally garnished with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
For the Toast
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Toast the slices of bread to your preferred level of crispiness using a toaster, grill pan, or oven to achieve a warm, crunchy base for the toppings.
- 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 small drizzle of olive oil to make the ricotta creamier and enhance its flavor.
- Assemble the toast: Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous amount of the seasoned ricotta cheese evenly over each slice of bread.
- Add tomatoes: Layer the thinly sliced fresh tomatoes on top of the ricotta, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Top with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over the tomatoes, adding a subtle nutty crunch.
- Finish with olive oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the assembled toast to enrich the taste and add lovely moisture.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for herbal brightness and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar to introduce a sweet tangy depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Ricotta & Tomato Toast fresh to appreciate the contrasting textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve immediately to avoid sogginess of the toast from the tomato juice.
- Basil and balsamic vinegar are optional but highly recommended to elevate the flavor.
