Imagine a slice of heaven that combines crispy golden bread, creamy ricotta, and explosively flavorful burst tomatoes - all in just 15 minutes! This Simple Burst Tomato and Ricotta Toast is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an impressive appetizer, this Italian-inspired creation will tantalize your taste buds and make you look like a gourmet chef with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, gently shaking the pan occasionally, until tomatoes start to burst and caramelize.
- While tomatoes are cooking, lightly brush the baguette slices with additional olive oil. Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
- Remove toasted bread from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each toast slice.
- Top the ricotta-covered toast with the burst tomatoes, distributing them evenly across the bread.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped.
- Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and tomatoes are slightly hot, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for the best burst and flavor. Make sure they're firm but not hard.
- Oil Temperature Matters: When cooking tomatoes, use medium-high heat to help them burst and caramelize without burning.
- Bread Selection: A fresh, crusty baguette works best, but you can also use sourdough or ciabatta for variety.
- Ricotta Tip: For extra creaminess, let the ricotta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with salt and freshly ground black pepper - they enhance the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
- Fresh Herb Finale: Use fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This toast is best enjoyed warm, so time your preparation to serve right after assembling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
