Ricotta Toast: a wonderful light lunch recipe to make whipped ricotta toast

Whether you're in the mood for a light bite or want to make a stunning, elegant recipe to serve at a party, you'll love this fabulous, versatile whipped ricotta toast recipe. Ricotta toast can be made either sweet or savory, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as a tasty snack when you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

The light, creamy ricotta dolloped over crisp toasts also doubles as a sensational party appetizer – especially with the amazing variety of toppings you can add to the dish. Whipped ricotta toast is super easy to make at home and is a wonderful dish you can customize by adding seasonal fruit and veggies.

What is Ricotta Toast?

Ricotta toast is a fantastic light meal or snack that can be made in either sweet or savory versions. It's made by whipping ricotta and placing it on toasted baguette, whole wheat or sourdough bread, then topping it with various toppings.

For those who aren't in the know, ricotta (“recooked” in Italian) is an Italian whey cheese. It can be made from cow, sheep, goat, or water buffalo milk, and has a mild taste and creamy texture, which is ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.

Whipped ricotta is extra special. When whipped, the cheese becomes ultra-light and airy, with a decadently creamy texture, rather than slightly firm – perfect for spreading.

What is the Best Bread for Ricotta Toast?

This kind of recipe usually calls for baguette, but you can also use sourdough, ciabatta, whole wheat or other artisan bread. The key to great-tasting ricotta toast is to use sturdy bread that can support the toppings you add to it.

Because it's a fairly simple recipe, use good-quality bread. Head to your local bakery for some delicious, fresh bread to make next-level ricotta toast.

How to Make Whipped Ricotta Toast

To make the best-ever ricotta toast, start by slicing off the top of the garlic. Pour a little olive oil over the top, then wrap it nice and tight in tin foil. Bake the garlic for 25 minutes at 400F.

While the garlic is roasting in the oven, toss the tomatoes and shallots, with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a baking pan. Once the 25 minutes are up, place the tomatoes and shallots into the oven and roast everything for another 20 minutes.

Next, slice the bread into 1/2-inch pieces. Take the garlic, tomatoes, and shallots out and let them cool for several minutes. Switch off your oven. Take the garlic off its pan and use that pan for the bread. Once you've arranged the bread on the pan, give it a light spray with some olive oil, then pop it in the oven to toast. While the bread is toasting, it's time to make the whipped ricotta. Scoop the garlic cloves into a food processor.

Add in the ricotta, plus some salt and pepper to taste. Blend the ingredients until smooth. Take the bread out of the oven and spread one tablespoon of ricotta onto each piece of toasted bread. Top with even amounts of tomato and shallots. Garnish with basil and a dash of salt, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Ricotta Toast

You can roast the garlic ahead to cut down your cooking time when making and assembling the whipped ricotta toast.

Use sturdy gluten-free bread to make gluten-free ricotta toast.

For vegans, you can use a vegan ricotta substitute instead of regular ricotta.

No ricotta? You can use cream cheese, fresh goat cheese, or mascarpone as a substitute.

Ricotta Toast Topping Ideas 

Instead of basil, try rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Spice lovers may want to sprinkle some red chili flakes or chopped chili peppers over the top of their ricotta toast.

Of course, you can always make sweet ricotta toast. Try whipping the ricotta with honey instead of garlic and garnishing it with berries or a small spoonful of jam for a delicious breakfast treat.

Eggs, prosciutto, and avocado are another fabulous savory breakfast ricotta toast idea to try.

What to Serve with Whipped Ricotta Toast

Whipped ricotta toast makes a great appetizer or snack. It's a wonderful, elegant party food that you can serve with other hors d'oeuvres like smoked salmon, bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, baked brie, and mini quiches.

If you're enjoying whipped ricotta toast as part of your breakfast, enjoy it as a light bite before tucking into some oatmeal and fruit, pancakes, or a frittata.

How to Store Ricotta Toast

For the best results, make only as much ricotta toast as you plan on eating. Keep the toppings and the toasted bread separate.

If you store the assembled ricotta toasts, the bread will become soggy. Whipped ricotta lasts one to 2 days in the fridge. The roasted tomatoes and shallots will last up to 4 days when refrigerated. Any bread will last 2 days before becoming overly stale.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400F.

Slice the off the top of the head of garlic. Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the top. Wrap in foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Mix tomatoes, shallots, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss well to combine. Spread the mixture onto a baking pan.

After the 25 minutes have passed, place the tomatoes and shallots into the oven. Let everything roast for another 20 minutes.

Slice the bread into 1/2-inch pieces.

Take the garlic, tomatoes, and shallots out of the oven. Leave for 5 minutes to cool. Turn off the oven.

Arrange the bread on a baking pan. Spray with olive oil. Place the pan in the oven.

Remove the garlic from the foil. Scoop the garlic cloves into a food processor.

Add in the ricotta, plus salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.

Take the bread out of the oven.

Spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta onto each piece of toasted bread.

Top with even amounts of tomato and shallots. Garnish with basil and a dash of salt, and serve.

Notes

You can make the whipped ricotta up to one day in advance.