Herbed Ricotta Tomato Toast

Ever bite into a slice of toast that takes you straight to summer? That's how I feel about this herbed ricotta tomato toast. It became my go-to last summer when I had an overflow of tomatoes from the garden. I remember slathering fresh ricotta mixed with herbs on crunchy bread, layering it with juicy slices of tomato, and just enjoying the sunshine while I ate. My neighbor, who always claims to be picky, couldn't stop asking for seconds!

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-05-19T17:10:18.964Z

After a long day, making this toast is so satisfying. The silky ricotta feels like a little treat, especially when I add fresh basil and chives right from my windowsill. I mix in some lemon zest for brightness, which honestly takes it a notch up.

One time, I had a friend over who was skeptical about the whole thing, but after one bite, he was on board. He even suggested adding avocado next time, and I think he might be onto something!

The Secret to This Herbed Ricotta Tomato Toast

What I love most about this toast is how simple ingredients can create such a vibrant dish. Fresh ricotta is creamy without being heavy, and when you mix in herbs like basil and chives, it really brightens things up. If you can find locally made ricotta, that’s even better, but don't stress—store-bought works just fine in a pinch. In fact, I often have a tub in my fridge ready to go for days when I want a quick and satisfying snack.

And then there are the tomatoes. Using ripe, juicy tomatoes is key. They should be good enough to eat on their own, so if you’ve got homegrown or those lovely farmer's market finds, grab them. If you need to rely on grocery store tomatoes, look for ones that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Also, if tomatoes aren’t in season, try substituting with roasted red peppers or a mix of heirloom varieties for some color.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious toast!

Ingredients

4 slices of sourdough bread
1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese, like Calabro
2 cups of ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand!

Instructions

Let's get cooking! This is super quick, so let's focus on enjoying every step.

Toast the Bread

Start by toasting the sourdough slices in your toaster or on a skillet. I usually toast them until they're golden and crunchy, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Mix the Ricotta

While the bread is toasting, combine the ricotta, chopped basil, chives, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. I like to use a fork to mix it until it's fluffy, which makes spreading it a breeze.

Assemble the Toast

Once your bread is nicely toasted, spread a generous layer of the ricotta mix on each slice. Layer the tomato slices on top, sprinkling a little more salt and pepper over the tomatoes if you like.

Finish Up

Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over the assembled toast for a lovely finish. Honestly, it feels fancy but takes almost no time at all!

Enjoy your toast immediately while the bread is crispy!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, try adding some toasted pine nuts on top.
If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can complement the tomatoes beautifully.
This recipe can easily be doubled if you're entertaining a crowd, just keep everything in proportion.

Scaling Herbed Ricotta Tomato Toast for a Crowd

If you have a gathering and want to serve this toast to a bunch of friends, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to toast the bread in batches and keep the pieces warm in a low oven until you're ready to serve. When mixing the ricotta, I usually double the herb amounts as well—more is often better. You might even think about making a variety of toasts with different toppings, like thinly sliced cucumbers or radishes, for a fun spread.

Something I've learned is that you can prep the ricotta mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day. Just give it a quick stir before using it, and it’ll still taste fresh. As for toppings, having a few options on the table not only makes it fun but also caters to different tastes. Plus, I've found that keeping the toasts simple with just fresh ingredients really gets people talking!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of bread?

Sure! Whole grain or a ciabatta would work well too. Just adjust the toasting time based on how thick the slices are.

→ What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference. If you're using dried, just remember to use less – about a third of the amount.

→ Is this toast good for breakfast or lunch?

Absolutely! I enjoy it for a light lunch, but it's also lovely with a side of fruit for breakfast.

→ How long does the ricotta mixture last in the fridge?

You can keep it for about two days, but fresh is definitely best. Just make sure to cover it well.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! Avocado or a poached egg could add a nice twist, but don’t overload it or it’ll get messy.