Indulge in the ideal summer treat of sourdough bread adorned with whipped ricotta, flavorful heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar!
Avocado toast might be the MVP (most valuable player) of the millennial brunch scene, but what if you’re looking to try something else?
Hear me out: Whipped ricotta toast.
With its creamy texture and endless topping possibilities, it’s a game-changer for any mealtime.
Today, we’re taking a trip to the mediterranean with a delightful recipe featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic syrup atop olive oil-infused whipped ricotta.
Get ready to elevate your lunch (or breakfast, or snack!) experience!
What is whipped ricotta?
Whipped ricotta is a creamy and light variation of traditional ricotta cheese that has been processed until smooth and fluffy. To make whipped ricotta, you simply place regular ricotta cheese in a food processor and blend it until it becomes smooth, losing its grainy texture in the process. This results in a luxurious, spreadable cheese with a silky mouthfeel, perfect for spreading on toast, using as a dip, or incorporating into various recipes. Whipping the ricotta not only improves its texture but also enhances its flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
Whipped ricotta toast with heirloom tomatoes and basil is a refreshing twist on the classic avocado toast. It features creamy whipped ricotta cheese as the base, topped with slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic syrup. This dish encapsulates the essence of summer with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
How do you make whipped ricotta toast?
Here are the ingredients and the how-to.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 tub of ricotta cheese
- Sourdough bread slices
- Ripe heirloom tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (or glaze)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garlic clove
How to make Whipped Ricotta Toast:
Prepare the Whipped Ricotta:
- Place the tub of ricotta cheese in a food processor.
- Process until the ricotta becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring it loses all graininess.
Prepare the Sourdough Toast:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the sourdough bread into desired thickness.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bread slices and spread evenly.
- Toast the bread slices in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Rub a raw garlic clove over the surface of each slice for a hint of garlic flavor.
Assemble the Whipped Ricotta Toast:
- Spread a generous amount of olive oil-infused whipped ricotta onto each toasted bread slice.
- Layer slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes on top of the ricotta.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes.
- Optionally, drizzle balsamic vinegar or glaze over the assembled toasts for added flavour and sweetness.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toasts for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the whipped ricotta toasts on a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately and relish the burst of summer flavors with each bite.
Variations for Whipped Ricotta Toast:
- Substitute heirloom tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a bite-sized version of the toast.
- Add a layer of prosciutto or crispy bacon for a savory twist.
- Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano for varied flavor profiles.
- Replace balsamic glaze with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Chef Mar’s Tips:
- Ensure the ricotta is thoroughly whipped to achieve a light and creamy texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil for both infusing the ricotta and drizzling over the toast.
- Choose ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize the toppings according to personal preferences and seasonal produce availability.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use store-bought whipped ricotta instead of making it myself? A: While store-bought whipped ricotta can be used as a time-saving option, making it at home allows for better control over texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: The components can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble the toasts just before serving to maintain their crispiness and freshness.
Q: Can I omit the garlic from the toast? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the garlic according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
HERE ARE OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
THE PERFECT LOW CARB DINNER: ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
ZUCCHINI CORN CHOWDER SOUP (VEGAN)
My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina. Looking forward to seeing you there!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please let me know in the comments below 
With love, Martina
Whipped Ricotta Toast with Heirloom Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 slices Sourdough bread
- 1 Ripe heirloom tomato
- 1 bunch Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil to taste
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes optional
- 1 Garlic clove
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, add the entire tub of ricotta cheese.
- Process until smooth and fluffy, eliminating any graininess. This may take a few minutes.
- Slice the sourdough bread into desired thickness.
- Drizzle olive oil over each bread slice and spread evenly.
- Toast the bread slices in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Rub a raw garlic clove over the surface of each slice for added flavor.
- Spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta onto each toasted bread slice.
- Layer slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes on top of the ricotta.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or glaze) over the assembled toasts.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toasts for a touch of heat (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy your whipped ricotta toast with heirloom tomatoes and basil!
Notes
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 11g
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
