This quick little Garlic Ricotta Toast recipe is for everyone, not just those over-the-top ricotta lovers like me. It's super simple, and with fresh garden tomatoes, it's a well-balanced meal or snack.
Recipe: $4.70 | Per Serving: $0.78 | Yield: 6ish Toasts
This post was originally published in August of 2017. It is just as simple, and just as delicious, but has been updated for clarity. Thank you!
Why I Love This Garlic Ricotta Toast
RICOTTA. Is it not one of the best things ever? I absolutely love ricotta cheese. I can, and do, eat it by the spoonful.
Garlic ricotta is exactly what it sounds like: ricotta with garlic. I recommend using a Microplane, garlic smasher, or the finest shredder on a box grater to make the garlic super finely chopped. That way it will blend well with the ricotta.
Also, let's address the bread. Sure, you can use whatever sandwich bread you may have on hand, but it is infinitely better with No-Knead Bread (I make it whole wheat), or even some awesome artisan loaf from your farmer's market. Whichever one you have time for will get the job done.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Toast
Basically, you're going to get some ricotta and stir in some crushed garlic. Toast some bread, and spread the fancy garlic ricotta on the toasty bread, then add thick or thin slices of garden tomatoes and a little black pepper and coarse sea salt.
If you've got it, a little basil would be nice, but it's really not necessary. I think it's the perfect balance of fresh and fatty for breakfast, lunch, or for a snack...or for those nights when you're like, "hey let's watch Netflix for 3 hours and not actually cook dinner." It's versatility on toast!
Alternative Uses for Ricotta
You can use this delicious garlic ricotta in a variety of other ways!
Ricotta Dip
Serve it as an appetizer with pieces of bread, crackers, or vegetables. Or as a spread on a grilled cheese.
Ricotta Pizza
Ricotta is SO GOOD on pizza, like Easy Pita Pizzas with Veggies and Ricotta, Fennel-Ricotta Pita Pizza, Crispy Roasted Vegetable Flatbread Pizza. Honestly, whatever toppings you choose to use - I'm sure it'll be delicious.
Ricotta Pasta
Stir it into hot pasta and some pasta water to loosen it up and coat your pasta in a deliciously creamy and cheesy sauce.
Ricotta Pancakes (and other baked goods)
You can use ricotta (without the garlic) in pancakes or other baked goods like cake to create a dense and moist sweet treat. You can also dip fruit (like strawberries, YUM!) in your ricotta for a quick snacky treat.
FAQs
It's balanced! The word "healthy" is a tricky one because it means different things to different people, but if you tolerate dairy, ricotta is a great source of protein and calcium. For even higher protein, try whipped cottage cheese instead.
I would suggest trying this toast with honey if you'd like a sweet option, but you can do so much with it. Drizzle some balsamic, sprinkle some sesame seeds, or add a swirl of peanut butter (skip the tomatoes in that case!).
Once you open the ricotta it's good for 3-5 days in the fridge. But always follow the three senses for food safety: does it look ok? does it smell ok? does it taste ok? (small teeny taste test here!)
Typically - NOPE. Depending on how it is made, ricotta can have up to 6 grams of lactose per 1 cup. If you're lactose intolerant, you may want to make this with a dairy-free alternative, or make your own ricotta from lactose-free milk! (It's easier than you think!)
Dietary Modifications & Substitutions
Vegetarian: Yep!
Paleo: No - and it's not really worth it to make a Paleo version. You could make nut ricotta and use Paleo bread or sweet potato "toast," but I think that would be an entirely different dish.
Dairy-Free: try macadamia-cauliflower ricotta here! It's not quite the same, but would still be good!
More Protein: whipped cottage cheese is a great high-protein substitute for ricotta!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread to make this gluten-free! I recommend a crusty bakery loaf or homemade option if you can! This is my favorite homemade gluten-free bread.
Additional Recipes to Try
- Gluten-Free Smoked Salmon Pumpernickel Toasts
- Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
- Fennel Ricotta Pita Pizza
- Gluten-Free Zucchini and Tomato Summer Galette
- Whole 30 Zucchini Rollatini
I hope you enjoy this recipe - and if you make it, please be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and comment below!
For videos of different recipes from my blog, please check out my YouTube channel!
Garlic Ricotta Toast (with Tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 2-4 cloves fresh garlic
- 15 oz ricotta cheese about 1.5 cups
- 6 pieces bread for toasting
- 6-12 slices tomatoes fresh garden in season!
- salt & pepper to taste
- a few leaves of fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Finely mince the garlic and stir together with the ricotta. Adjust with more garlic if desired.
- Toast the bread to your desired done-ness. I like a little crunchy and a little chewy.
- Spread the ricotta on the toast (about ¼ cup per toast) and top with fresh tomato slices, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stack a few leaves of fresh basil. Roll them up and slice into thin strips or ribbons. Sprinkle atop the garlic ricotta tomato toasts!
- Enjoy!
Ash
I LOVE an appetizer like this
Caitlin Self, MS, CNS, LDN
So perfect for late summer! Thanks Ash!
Christina
YUM! I can't believe summer is almost over. I've been stuffing tomatoes in my mouth all week, to savor the remaining summer flavor! Your recipe would be perfect for lunch or as appetizers for a party. It looks absolutely delicious!
Caitlin
Thanks Christina! Late summer tomatoes are the absolute best! I think making this into little appetizers would be a great idea!