5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast

Tired of bland weeknights or breakfast boredom? One summer afternoon I was standing in my kitchen with a half-loaf of sourdough and a generous tub of ricotta, trying to stretch dinner into something fast, beautiful, and satisfying. Thirty minutes later I had a plate of warm, crunchy sourdough piled with creamy ricotta, juicy tomato slices, and fragrant basil simple, elegant, and oddly addictive. That’s the beauty of this 5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast: it’s the perfect lift-your-mood, minimal-effort recipe that works for breakfast, light lunch, or an easy weeknight side.

If you enjoy quick tomato-forward recipes, you might also like this macaroni and tomatoes recipe it’s another comfort-food winner that’s perfect for using up ripe tomatoes.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• Balanced textures: crunchy toasted sourdough contrasts with silky ricotta for an irresistibly satisfying bite.
• Flavor simplicity: only five ingredients means each one shines good olive oil and ripe tomatoes make a huge difference.
• Speed and reliability: ready in 10–15 minutes; no special equipment or advanced skills required.
• Versatile and forgiving: easy to scale, customize, or make ahead (with a few smart tips).

Ingredients

Step-by-step directions

1. Toast the sourdough bread slices until crispy.
   • Tip: Use a toaster oven or skillet for a more controlled, even toast. For an extra-crispy edge, brush both sides lightly with olive oil before toasting.
2. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice of toast.
   • Tip: Warm ricotta slightly by letting it sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes for easier spreading and creamier texture.
3. Top with sliced juicy tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
   • Tip: Salt the tomato slices lightly and let them sit for 1–2 minutes to macerate this pulls out juices and boosts flavor without making the bread soggy.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
   • Tip: Finish with flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if you like brightness.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious toast!
   • Tip: Serve right away to keep the toast crisp. If prepping for guests, assemble just before serving.

Pro tip: If you want a warm melty variation, pop the ricotta-covered toast under a broiler for 1–2 minutes before adding tomatoes. Watch closely ricotta browns fast.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Using underripe or watery tomatoes: watery tomatoes can make toast soggy. Fix: slice thicker, salt and drain for a minute, or pat with paper towel before adding.
• Spreading cold ricotta straight from the fridge: this tears bread and is harder to spread. Fix: let ricotta sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes or whisk briefly with a splash of olive oil to loosen.
• Overloading toppings: piling on too many tomatoes or herbs leads to imbalance and soggy bread. Fix: keep a modest layer aim for 2–3 tomato slices per toast.
• Skipping good olive oil: poor-quality oil dulls the flavor. Fix: use a flavorful extra-virgin olive oil for finishing.
• Assembling too far in advance: the toast loses its crunch. Fix: toast and store bread separately; assemble within 10 minutes of serving.

Nutrition per serving

Estimated per 1 toast (1 slice sourdough, ~1/4 cup ricotta, 1/2 tomato, 1 tsp olive oil):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~11 g
• Fat: ~12 g (mostly monounsaturated from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: ~29 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
  Health benefits: ricotta provides calcium and protein, tomatoes add vitamin C and lycopene (an antioxidant), and olive oil delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS

• Health-friendly option: Use part-skim ricotta or blended cottage cheese for lower fat and higher protein; swap sourdough for whole-grain bread for extra fiber.
• Flavor twist Honey & Lemon: drizzle a little honey and lemon zest over basil-tomato to add sweet-bright contrast. Great with burrata subbing for ricotta.
• Flavor twist Herby & Spicy: sprinkle za’atar or red pepper flakes and swap basil for fresh oregano or dill.
• Equipment alternative Oven: Arrange slices on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 425°F for 6–8 minutes to toast evenly.
• Equipment alternative Air fryer: Toast at 370°F for 3–5 minutes depending on thickness fast and crispy.

MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE & REHEATING

Fridge storage:

• Best approach: Toast bread and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 days. Keep ricotta and sliced tomatoes separate in airtight containers for up to 48 hours. Assemble just before serving to maintain crunch.
• Assembled toasts: Store assembled toasts in the fridge for up to 6–8 hours, but expect some loss of crispness.

Freezer tips:

• Freezing assembled toast is not recommended (soggy results). Instead, freeze plain toasted sourdough slices in a single layer for up to 1 month; thaw and re-toast when ready.

Best reheating method:

• Re-crisp in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350–375°F for 3–5 minutes. If reheating in a skillet, use medium heat and press gently for even re-crisping. Avoid microwaving assembled toasts unless you’re okay with soggy bread.

Serving suggestions and pairings

• Side dishes: Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a cup of soup (tomato basil pairs nicely).
• Beverages: Iced coffee or a light white wine (Pinot Grigio or Vermentino) for brunch; sparkling water with lemon for a light lunch.
• Occasions: Weeknight dinners (fast side or light main), easy weekend brunch, appetizer for casual dinner parties, or meal-prep-friendly lunch if you assemble at the last minute.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories per serving (approximate): 280 kcal
Macronutrient overview (approximate):

• Protein: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 12 g (5 g saturated)
• Fiber: 2 g
  Brief factual health note: This toast offers calcium and protein from ricotta and antioxidants from tomatoes; swapping in part-skim dairy or whole-grain bread can increase protein and fiber while lowering saturated fat.

FAQ

Can I make 5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast ahead of time?
Yes toast the bread and store separately from the ricotta and tomatoes. Assemble no more than 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Why is my 5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast dry?
Dryness usually comes from stale bread or ricotta that’s too thick. Use slightly warm or room-temperature ricotta and a fresh, well-toasted slice of sourdough. Add a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for moisture and flavor.

Can 5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast be frozen?
Assembled toasts don’t freeze well. Freeze plain toasted bread instead and assemble after reheating.

What’s the best ricotta to use for this recipe?
Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest mouthfeel and richer flavor, but part-skim or vegan ricotta are great for lighter or dairy-free versions.

How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy from the tomatoes?
Salt tomato slices lightly and let them sit for a minute to release excess liquid, then pat with paper towel. Assemble just before serving.

CONCLUSION

Simple, fast, and endlessly adaptable this 5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast proves that great food doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Try the basic build, then experiment with the variations to find your favorite combo. If you made this and loved it, save the recipe, leave a comment with your tweaks, and share it with friends who could use an easy, elegant meal idea.

5-Ingredient Ricotta and Tomato Sourdough Toast

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A quick and elegant dish featuring crispy sourdough topped with creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 4 slices sourdough bread (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 large juicy tomatoes (heirloom, roma, or vine-ripe)
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh herbs (basil or thyme)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more to finish)

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Instructions

1. Toast the sourdough bread slices until crispy.
2. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice of toast.
3. Top with sliced juicy tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious toast!

Notes

Best served immediately to maintain crispness. If prepping for guests, assemble just before serving.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Toasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian