Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy slice of toast, topped with creamy garlic-infused ricotta and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This Garlic Ricotta Toast with Tomatoes is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece in just 15 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a stunning appetizer, or a light lunch, this dish promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 slices of bread, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your bread gets perfectly toasted.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the garlic ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the oven is ready, place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle each slice with olive oil, ensuring that both sides are lightly coated. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will enhance their flavor and add a fresh touch to your toast.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Spread a generous layer of the garlic ricotta mixture on each slice of toasted bread.
- Top each slice with the seasoned cherry tomatoes, arranging them evenly for a beautiful presentation.
- Finally, garnish your garlic ricotta toast with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately while the toast is warm and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose high-quality bread: Use a rustic sourdough or a hearty artisan bread that can hold up to the ricotta and tomatoes without getting soggy.
- Room temperature ricotta matters: Let your ricotta sit out for 10-15 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, more spreadable consistency.
- Garlic hack: For a more mellow garlic flavor, slightly roast the minced garlic in olive oil before mixing into the ricotta.
- Tomato tip: If possible, use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for the most intense flavor. If they're not sweet enough, a tiny pinch of sugar can help enhance their natural sweetness.
- Fresh is best: Always add fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Toast perfection: Watch your bread closely while toasting to achieve that golden-brown color without burning.
- Serving suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished toast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
