Imagine biting into a crispy, golden slice of bread topped with creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of garlic that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. These Tomato Ricotta Garlic Toasts are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for more. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet snack, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 toasts
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your toasts get a nice golden brown color and crispiness.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients. Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds and set them aside. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
- Take the slices of bread and place them on a baking sheet. You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette.
- Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture on each slice of bread, ensuring to cover the surface evenly.
- Evenly distribute the sliced tomatoes on top of the ricotta-covered bread. Make sure each toast has a good amount of tomato slices for flavor.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the tomatoes, distributing it evenly across all toasts. This will give your dish a wonderful garlic flavor.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the toasts for added flavor and to help with browning. If desired, you can also add a sprinkle of additional salt and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Once done, remove the toasts from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the Tomato Ricotta Garlic Toasts warm as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired creation!
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up to the moist toppings without getting soggy.
- Room Temperature Ricotta: Let your ricotta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more spreadable consistency.
- Tomato Technique: Use ripe but firm tomatoes and remove excess moisture by patting them with a paper towel to prevent soggy toasts.
- Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, lightly roast the minced garlic before sprinkling. For a bolder taste, use fresh minced garlic.
- Olive Oil Hack: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and brush it lightly to enhance flavor and help achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Fresh Herb Finale: Always add fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and maximum flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: These toasts are best served immediately while still warm and crispy. Prepare all ingredients in advance, but bake just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
