Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast is the summery, crave-worthy toast you’ll want to make on repeat! With creamy ricotta, juicy pan-blistered tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic, and the pop of fresh basil—all piled on crunchy sourdough—this recipe is pure sunshine on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Summer in Every Bite: The tomatoes burst with juicy, sun-ripened flavor and just the right tang, making every forkful vibrant and fresh.
- Creamy-Crunchy Combo: Lush ricotta and parmesan melting into crispy sourdough is a total texture dream—no bland toast here!
- Weekday Easy, Brunch Pretty: Whip up these Blistered Cherry Tomato Toasts in minutes, and watch them steal the spotlight at brunch or as a speedy lunch.
- Customizable Toppings: Go wild with garnishes or swap the cheese to make this toast entirely your own—delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast has a short ingredient list, but each one plays a starring role: from the chewy, tangy sourdough to the pillowy ricotta and those sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, every bite is a flavor celebration.
- Sourdough bread: This is the perfect sturdy canvas for our toppings—choose a rustic, thick-sliced loaf so it holds up under the creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes.
- Ricotta cheese: Go for whole-milk ricotta for extra creaminess; it’s what gives the toast its dreamy texture and subtle richness.
- Parmesan cheese: A spoonful stirred into the ricotta adds bold, savory depth and that irresistible salty finish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil—its fruity grassy notes provide the base flavor for blistering those tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Look for colorful and ripe tomatoes; they turn sweet and jammy in the pan for a true summer taste.
- Fresh garlic: A gentle hit of sautéed garlic weaves warmth and aroma throughout the topping—fresh is always best here!
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash gives the tomatoes a tangy brightness and caramel-like finish.
- Sea salt and cracked red pepper: These simple seasonings wake everything up, with just a nudge of mild heat from the red pepper.
- Fresh basil: The finishing touch—herby, fragrant, and the ideal counterpoint to the creamy, tangy, savory layers.
Variations
Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast is irresistibly adaptable, so don’t be shy about putting your creative, personal spin on it! Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge or want to tweak it for a special diet, this recipe is your blank canvas.
- Swap the cheese: Try creamy goat cheese or tangy feta for a different flavor—and if you need it dairy-free, a vegan cream cheese works beautifully too.
- Add greens: Layer on baby arugula or spinach before adding the blistered tomatoes for a peppery bite and a fresh boost of color.
- Make it spicy: Top with a few extra flakes of red pepper, or drizzle with hot honey for a fiery sweet finish.
- Change the bread: Not a sourdough fan? Try multigrain, rustic Italian, or even thick-sliced rye for a new twist.
How to Make Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast
Step 1: Make the Ricotta Spread
Start by stirring together the ricotta and parmesan in a small bowl. This is your quick, no-fuss way to build a creamy, tangy foundation. Mixing the cheeses ahead lets the flavors meld while you prepare the tomatoes, so the spread is seriously silky-smooth.
Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Tomatoes
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes—no need for perfection, just a rough chop will do! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Once shimmering, add your tomatoes and stir occasionally. Watch as their skins wrinkle, juices sizzle, and that divine sweet-tart scent fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Seasonings
When the tomatoes have started to soften—about 5 minutes—add in the garlic. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant, then stir in balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and cracked red pepper. This step is pure magic: a quick toss, a glossy finish, and your kitchen now smells like an Italian trattoria!
Step 4: Toast the Bread
Whether you love yours lightly golden or with a deep, crunchy edge, toast your sourdough to your preferred doneness. Sturdy bread means no soggy slices, and that irresistible contrast when you bite in is so worth a few extra minutes.
Step 5: Assemble & Finish
Generously spread each warm toast with the creamy ricotta mixture. Top with a scoop of those glossy, garlicky blistered tomatoes, then finish with a tumble of chopped basil. If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of good olive oil or just let those tomatoes shine!
Pro Tips for Making Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast
- The Sizzlin’ Skillet Secret: Use a heavy, wide skillet and avoid crowding the tomatoes—this ensures they blister and caramelize, not steam.
- Ricotta Whip Upgrade: For extra-fluffy ricotta, blend it with parmesan in a food processor until super smooth (it spreads like a dream!).
- Timing Is Everything: Toast your bread just before assembling to keep it crisp under all the luscious toppings.
- Basil Right Before Serving: Add the fresh basil as the final flourish so it stays bright and aromatic instead of wilting on the hot tomatoes.
How to Serve Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast
Garnishes
Make every slice of Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast pop with a finishing flurry of torn fresh basil, an extra drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a more decadent bite, try shaved parmesan or a dusting of lemon zest right on top.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp arugula salad, a bowl of chilled gazpacho, or a mound of herby couscous for a colorful plate. For brunch, serve with perfectly jammy eggs or even a citrusy fruit salad—talk about a feast for the senses!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the toast into rustic triangles for easy sharing, or arrange on a big board with bowls of extra ricotta, tomatoes, and basil so guests can build their own creations. This Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast makes an eye-catching centerpiece for parties or picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover toppings, store the ricotta mixture and the blistered tomato mix in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Just assemble fresh toasts right before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Neither ricotta spread nor the tomatoes freeze well (the texture changes dramatically), so it’s best to make only what you’ll eat within a few days. If you must freeze, do so with just the toasted bread—and top it fresh later.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the tomato mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring until heated through. Toast new slices of bread, then spread and assemble as usual—the fresh crunch makes all the difference for Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast!
FAQs
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Can I make Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the ricotta spread and tomato topping up to a day in advance. Keep them in separate containers, then toast and assemble just before serving so the bread stays crisp and fresh.
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What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Thick-cut sourdough is my favorite for its structure and tang, but you can use any rustic bread that toasts well—try multigrain, Italian, or even a hearty country white for delicious variations on Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
Definitely! Fresh goat cheese, whipped feta, or a vegan cheese spread all work beautifully. Just make sure your cheese of choice is spreadable so you get that lovely creamy layer beneath the tomatoes.
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Is this recipe gluten-free or vegetarian?
Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast is naturally vegetarian. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite sturdy GF bread—everything else stays the same for a deliciously inclusive bite!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy, wholesome, and flavor-packed way to celebrate juicy tomatoes, Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast is the dish that’ll win your heart. Give it a try—for breakfast, lunch, or a gorgeous appetizer—and watch it turn any meal into something special!
PrintBlistered Cherry Tomato Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
- Method: Toast, Saute
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blistered Cherry Tomato Toast recipe is a delicious twist on classic toast, featuring creamy ricotta spread topped with flavorful blistered cherry tomatoes, all on crispy sourdough bread. Perfect for a savory breakfast or a light lunch!
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread:
- 4 slices sourdough bread
Ricotta Spread:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cracked red pepper
- Fresh chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Ricotta Spread: In a small bowl, combine ricotta and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Blistered Cherry Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened. Add garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and red pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assembly: Toast sourdough bread. Spread cheese mixture on each slice. Top with cherry tomatoes and basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast slice
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg