This super delicious cherry tomato and ricotta toast comes together in under 15 minutes and it has become a staple at my house for breakfast. Using just under 5 ingredients, this toast still feels like a fancy, restaurant-ready brunch you’d happily pay $18 for.
Honestly this is one of those recipes that looks incredibly impressive but requires almost zero effort. The warm, garlicky cherry tomatoes on top of creamy ricotta on crispy sourdough – it’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you really have your life together 😄
In a hurry? Skip straight to the recipe below! ⬇️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Under 15 minutes – this is faster than waiting in line at a brunch spot and tastes just as good.
5 ingredients – simple, accessible and budget-friendly. You probably already have most of these at home.
Feels fancy without the effort – ricotta and blistered tomatoes just look elevated. Great for impressing guests or treating yourself on a slow morning.
Completely customizable – swap the herbs, add a drizzle of honey, throw on a fried egg. The base recipe is endlessly versatile.
Vegetarian friendly – naturally meat-free and filling enough to keep you satisfied through the morning.
What Makes This Toast Special
The secret is in the blistered cherry tomatoes. When you cook cherry tomatoes in olive oil with garlic until they burst, they release the most incredible sweet and savory juices that soak slightly into the ricotta and the toast. It transforms a simple ingredient into something that tastes deeply flavorful and almost jammy. Paired with the cool creaminess of ricotta and the crunch of sourdough – every bite is perfectly balanced.
How to Make It
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Serves
1
Ingredients
- 5-6 cherry tomatoes
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- Ricotta cheese (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- 2 slices Sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Few fresh basil leaves or cilantro
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, chili flakes, garlic powder, and oregano
Steps
1
Prep your ingredients: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the garlic cloves. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes this recipe come together even faster.
2
Blister the tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant – you’ll smell it immediately and it’s incredible. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst. Stir in the seasonings – salt, pepper, chili flakes, garlic powder, and oregano. The tomatoes are ready when they mash easily with the back of a spoon and the juices have reduced slightly into a saucy, glossy mixture.
3
Toast your sourdough: While the tomatoes are cooking, toast 2 slices of sourdough bread to your preferred level of crispiness. Sourdough works best here because the slight tang of the bread balances the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.
4
Assemble: Generously spread a smooth, thick layer of ricotta over each slice, of toast – don’t be shy here, the ricotta is the creamy base that holds everything together. Spoon the warm, garlicky cherry tomato mixture on top, letting the juices soak slightly into the toast.
5
Finish and serve: Top with basil or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crisp for the best texture.
Topping and Variation Ideas
Once you’ve made the base recipe, here are some ways to switch it up:
- Add a fried or poached egg on top for extra protein — turns this into a seriously filling meal
- Drizzle with honey — the sweet and savory combination with the ricotta is unexpectedly incredible
- Add avocado slices alongside the tomatoes for a creamier, more filling version
- Swap ricotta for whipped feta — tangier and equally delicious
- Add pine nuts for a little crunch and a nutty flavor
- Use burrata instead of ricotta for an extra luxurious version when you’re feeling fancy
What to Serve It With
This toast is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or matcha latte for a cozy morning
- A simple green salad for a light lunch
- Fresh fruit on the side for a balanced brunch spread
- A soft boiled egg if you want extra protein
Tips for the Best Ricotta Toast
Use good sourdough — the quality of your bread makes a real difference here. A thick-cut artisan sourdough will give you the best crunch and flavor.
Don’t rush the tomatoes — letting them cook low and slow until they really burst is what creates that jammy, saucy texture. Rushing this step means you miss out on the best part.
Use full-fat ricotta — it’s creamier, richer and spreads much better than low-fat versions. Worth it for a recipe this simple.
Season generously — ricotta on its own is quite mild so don’t be shy with the salt, pepper and chili flakes. Taste as you go.
Simple, fresh, and full of flavor — this ricotta and blistered tomato toast proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something that feels effortlessly elevated. Perfect for a slow brunch, a light lunch, or whenever you’re craving something cozy but chic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of sourdough?
Yes! Any sturdy bread works. Sourdough is my personal favorite for this recipe because of the flavor and how it crisps up, but a thick-cut white or whole grain bread works great too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The blistered tomato mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a pan and assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes — sun-dried tomatoes work as a shortcut if you don’t have fresh cherry tomatoes. They have a more intense, concentrated flavor which is equally delicious.
Is ricotta toast healthy?
Ricotta is a great source of protein and calcium, and cherry tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Paired with sourdough which is easier to digest than regular bread, this is actually a really balanced and nutritious breakfast.
Can I make this dairy free?
You can substitute the ricotta with a dairy free alternative like cashew ricotta or a thick layer of hummus for a completely different but equally delicious version.
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