Ricotta toast is an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack at any time of day. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, adorned with fruits or vegetables, herbs or spices, ricotta on toast offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that is both speedy to prepare and packed with protein.

What is Ricotta Toast?

Ricotta toast, in its simplicity, consists of ricotta cheese spread atop a slice of toast. Ricotta cheese, an Italian soft cheese, is known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. The name “ricotta” itself, derived from Italian, means “re-cooked,” as this cheese is produced by re-heating the whey left behind during the making of other cheeses, including those made from sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk. Due to its mild taste and creamy consistency, ricotta complements toast wonderfully and pairs harmoniously with both sweet and savory toppings.

Is Ricotta on Toast Nutritious?

Certainly! Ricotta is relatively low in calories and serves as an excellent source of protein. Like all dairy products, it contains 15 essential nutrients. A 1/4-cup (65-gram) serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 102 calories, 5 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 4 grams of carbohydrates (1). When generously spread on a slice of bread, such as sourdough or sprouted grain, ricotta contributes to a balanced and wholesome meal or snack, rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Recipes for Ricotta Toast

Creating ricotta toast is remarkably simple and versatile since it pairs seamlessly with a wide variety of sweet and savory toppings. You have the creative freedom to add proteins, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and sweeteners of your choosing. Here are some delightful suggestions:

1. Pesto and Egg

The combination of ricotta cheese, pesto, and a fried egg results in the ultimate savory toast. While I recommend a fried egg, a poached egg, scrambled egg, or even a hard-boiled egg would complement this toast beautifully.

2. Peach and Honey

Generously spread ricotta on your toast and top it with freshly sliced peaches, finishing with a drizzle of your favorite local honey for a simple yet sweet breakfast or snack.

3. Tomato and Basil

Elevate your tomato sandwich experience by substituting ricotta cheese for classic mayonnaise. Add a couple of sprigs of fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous seasoning of flaky sea salt and black pepper for an explosion of flavor.

4. Avocado and Chilies

If you’re a fan of avocado toast, you’re sure to love ricotta avocado toast! Not only do the creamy textures of ricotta and avocado complement each other, but ricotta also adds a protein boost to this classic dish.

Other Ricotta Toast Variations

In addition to my recommendations, there are countless other ways to top your ricotta toast, including:

• Strawberries and Balsamic Glaze
• Bananas and Cinnamon
• Pear, Honey, and Fresh Thyme
• Apple, Almonds, and Maple Syrup
• Blackberries and Fresh Mint</ li>
• Sautéed Mushrooms and Parsley
• Raspberries and Honey
• Sliced Cucumbers and Fresh Herbs
• Figs, Honey, and Walnuts
• Smoked Salmon, Fresh Dill, Lemon Juice, Red Onion, and Capers
• Blueberries, Lemon Zest, and Pistachios

In short, the options for toppings are limitless! After selecting your choice of bread and generously spreading the ricotta, you can personalize your toast with any sweet or savory toppings that tickle your taste buds.

Ricotta Toast: 4 Ways

From sweet to savory, there are numerous ways to enhance ricotta on toast. Enjoy this uncomplicated meal as a healthy breakfast or a light lunch any day of the week!

Ingredients

Toast Base:

• 1 slice of bread, of your preference
• 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Pesto and Fried Egg:

• 1 tablespoon pesto
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon butter
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Peach and Honey:

• 1/2 peach, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon honey

Tomato and Basil:

• 1/2 tomato, thinly sliced
• 3 fresh basil leaves
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Avocado and Chilies:

• 1/3 avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
• A pinch of chili flakes
• Sea salt
• Pepper

Instructions

Base Toast:

• Place the bread in the toaster and toast to your desired level of crispiness.
• Once the toast is ready, spread ricotta cheese on one side (feel free to add an extra tablespoon if needed) and season generously with salt and pepper.

Pesto and Fried Egg:

• In a small pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, crack the egg, and cook to your preferred level of doneness.
• Spread pesto over the ricotta, place the fried egg on top, and season with salt and pepper.

Peach and Honey:

• Thinly slice the peach and arrange the slices on top of the ricotta.
• Drizzle with honey to your liking.

Tomato and Basil:

• Thinly slice the tomato and arrange the slices on top of the ricotta.
• Season generously with salt and pepper, and garnish with roughly chopped or torn basil leaves.

Avocado and Chilies:

• Thinly slice the avocado and arrange the slices on top of the ricotta.
• Garnish with chili flakes and cilantro, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice of basic ricotta toast
• Calories: 131 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 6 grams