It's often said that simplicity brings joy, and that's certainly true with toast, a beloved staple. From avocado to jam, toast is my go-to comfort food.
I have fond memories of sick days spent on the couch with toast and tea. One particularly special moment was after a long labor when my mom brought me my favorite toasted fruit and nut bread, slathered with butter. Nothing could compare to that taste (and I was incredibly hungry!).
Why I'm Back to Sourdough
This brings me to my ricotta toast recipe. I adore the creamy texture of ricotta on toasted sourdough, which is truly a match made in heaven. After starting a grain-free diet last summer, toast had been off-limits until recently. I've begun reintroducing sourdough, and thankfully, my gut issues haven't returned. Here's what I found out:
The fermentation that gives sourdough its unique flavor also enhances its gut health benefits. Many people struggle with digestive issues, and for those sensitive to gluten or suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, the bacteria in sourdough plays a crucial role in breaking down flour. – Vanessa Kimbell via Bon Appetit
It's truly intriguing! Just be sure you're choosing genuine sourdough that's been slowly leavened, not the quick versions sold in stores. I'll keep sharing my sourdough experiences, but let's focus on the ricotta toast now. This recipe is so straightforward it might not even feel like one, yet it's immensely satisfying. Let's get started!
$275 at Casa Zuma
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Ricotta
When it comes to ricotta, both store-bought and homemade can be delicious. It ultimately depends on your available time. I shared my method for making homemade ricotta years ago, and I still find it incredibly rewarding and easy to make.
However, there's nothing wrong with opting for high-quality store-bought ricotta. Just ensure it's full-fat (made from whole milk). Many options are part-skim, which I reserve for dishes like lasagna. For this recipe, you want that rich, creamy texture.
$76 at Casa Zuma Creative Toppings for Ricotta Toast
For this version, I wanted to keep toppings simple to let the flavors of the sourdough and ricotta shine. I used honey, chopped pistachios, thyme, flaky salt, and Aleppo pepper. However, ricotta toast offers endless possibilities. Some of my favorite combinations include:
- Banana with granola
- Melon with mint
- Blackberries and lime zest
- Radishes with chives
- Slow-roasted tomatoes and basil
- Pears drizzled with honey
$168 at Casa Zuma Health Perks of Ricotta Toast
Sourdough bread. Unlike regular bread, the fermentation process gives sourdough its tangy flavor and enhances its digestibility. This method breaks down gluten and phytic acid, which can ease digestion and reduce discomfort for sensitive individuals (check out this guide for more gut-friendly habits).
Whole-milk ricotta cheese packs a punch of protein and calcium, essential for muscle and bone health.
Honey is a natural sweetener loaded with antioxidants and soothing qualities, pistachios are rich in healthy fats and fiber, and thyme contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Each bite of this ricotta toast is both indulgent and beneficial.
This ricotta toast is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! I'd love to know if you try it and hear your own sourdough and gut health stories. Now, let's check out the easy ricotta toast recipe.
Description
Elevate your toast experience with this delightful ricotta toast recipe. Keep it sweet with honey and pistachios or go savory with slow-roasted tomatoes and basil.
Ingredients
- 1 slice sourdough bread
- 1/3 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons honey, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, divided
- Flaky salt, to taste
- Aleppo pepper, to taste (or red pepper flakes, but use sparingly)
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Toast the sourdough bread.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta with 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and a pinch of flaky salt and Aleppo pepper.
- Spread the ricotta mix on the toast, drizzle with remaining honey and thyme, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios, flaky salt, and Aleppo pepper. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 min
Keywords: ricotta toast, breakfast, appetizer
