If you want a snack that feels special, this is it. Tomato confit and whipped ricotta toasts give you creamy, savory, and sweet flavors in one bite.
The slow-cooked tomatoes taste jammy and rich. Whipped ricotta adds a smooth, airy layer that pairs with crisp bread.
I started making these toasts during peak tomato season. Cherry tomatoes were everywhere at the market.
Garlic and herbs infuse the oil, turning plain tomatoes into something you’ll want to spoon over everything. The ricotta brings a light, tangy creaminess that makes each bite satisfying.
You can serve these toasts as a quick lunch or a shareable appetizer. They also work as a light dinner with a salad.
Once you try warm roasted tomatoes and cool whipped ricotta on crunchy bread, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe.
Why You Will Love Tomato Confit and Whipped Ricotta Toasts
You’ll enjoy how simple this easy recipe is. The process doesn’t take much effort, yet the results feel thoughtful.
It’s the kind of dish you can serve to friends or make for yourself on a quiet afternoon. Each part balances the other.
The roast tomato & whipped ricotta toasts give you creamy, tangy ricotta and sweet, slow-cooked tomatoes. Add crisp sourdough, and every bite has a mix of textures.
You can adapt it to your taste. Try a drizzle of honey, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Fresh basil or thyme adds brightness. Balsamic glaze brings a touch of depth.
Here’s why you may find yourself making it often:
- It’s quick but tastes like café-style food.
- You only need a handful of ingredients.
- It works as breakfast, snack, or appetizer.
- Leftover tomato confit can be used in pasta or salads.
You don’t have to overthink the serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
The whipped ricotta stays creamy, the tomatoes stay jammy, and the toast keeps its crunch.
How To Make Tomato Confit and Whipped Ricotta Toasts
You bring out the best in cherry tomatoes by roasting them in olive oil with herbs and garlic. Pair them with creamy whipped ricotta on toasted bread for a balanced dish.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple items to get started.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4–5 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for ricotta)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 loaf ciabatta or sourdough bread
I like adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end, but that’s optional. The mix of herbs, citrus, and cheese balances the roasted tomatoes.
Instruments
You don’t need fancy tools, but a few basics help.
- Mixing bowl for whipping ricotta
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Toaster or oven for bread
- Small knife for garlic and basil
- Spoon for spreading ricotta
A hand mixer saves time when whipping ricotta. A whisk works fine if you don’t mind a little effort.
A cast iron skillet works well for roasting the tomatoes.
Step-By-Step Instruction
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place cherry tomatoes, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a skillet or baking dish.
Cover with olive oil and roast for about 45–60 minutes. The tomatoes should look soft and jammy.
While the tomatoes roast, whip ricotta in a bowl with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Toast slices of ciabatta until golden.
Spread a thick layer of whipped ricotta on each slice. Spoon roasted tomato confit over the ricotta.
Top with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze if you like.
Serve warm while the bread is crisp and the ricotta is cool.
Tips & Tricks
I’ve made this toast many times, and a few tweaks help.
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. Low-fat versions won’t whip as smooth. Drizzle in good olive oil while blending for a lighter, silkier feel.
Season the ricotta well. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Lemon zest brings a fresh note.
When roasting the tomatoes, don’t skimp on olive oil. It may look like too much, but it makes the confit tender and flavorful. Save that oil for salad dressings or pasta.
Add flavor with toppings. Try honey or balsamic glaze for balance. Chili flakes bring gentle heat. Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme add freshness.
For a sharper kick, splash balsamic vinegar over the warm tomatoes. It cuts through the creaminess.
Toast the bread just before serving so it stays crisp. I like sourdough, but any sturdy bread works.
These small steps help you adjust the toasts to your taste.
Ingredient Substitute
Sometimes you may not have every ingredient on hand. That’s okay.
If you don’t have sourdough bread, use rustic bread or even a gluten-free bread. The key is something thick enough to hold the toppings.
Whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture. If you’re dairy-free, use cashew ricotta. It whips up smooth and pairs well with the tomatoes.
Fresh herbs make a big difference. If you’re out of basil, swap in oregano for a more earthy taste. You could also mix the two.
Some quick swap ideas:
- Sourdough → rustic bread or gluten-free bread
- Ricotta → cashew ricotta
- Basil → oregano (fresh or dried)
These changes let you use what you have while keeping the flavor balanced.
What To Serve With Tomato Confit and Whipped Ricotta Toasts
These toasts fit into so many meals. Serve them as a simple appetizer or enjoy for breakfast or brunch.
They work as a light lunch with something fresh on the side. I like to balance the creamy ricotta and rich tomatoes with something crisp.
A small salad, roasted vegetables, or a drizzle of honey rounds out the flavors.
Here are a few ideas to serve alongside:
- Fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Grilled asparagus or roasted tomatoes
- Marinated olives for a salty contrast
- Garlic crostini or extra toasted bread
- Honey-glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness
If you want protein, add lemon herb chicken or a few slices of prosciutto. Both bring savory flavors that balance the toast.
For a more casual meal, keep it simple with toasted pine nuts or a light beet and walnut salad. These additions make the toast feel more complete.
How To Store Tomato Confit and Whipped Ricotta Toasts
I learned quickly that storing each part separately keeps everything fresh. If you store the toasts already assembled, the bread turns soggy.
Keep the tomato confit in an airtight container in the fridge. The tomatoes and oil stay good for about 4–5 days. Make sure the tomatoes are covered in oil.
Store the whipped ricotta in its own container. It lasts for about 2 days in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving again.
The bread or toast is best stored at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to one day. For longer storage, freeze the slices and re-toast them when you’re ready.
When you want to enjoy the dish again, just toast your bread. Spread the chilled whipped ricotta on top.
Spoon over the tomato confit with a little of its oil. This way, your toasts taste fresh every time.
Nutritional Value
When you make these toasts, you get a snack or light meal that feels indulgent. Still, it gives your body useful nutrients.
The ricotta adds protein and fat. Tomatoes bring fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The bread rounds it out with carbohydrates for energy.
For one serving (about one slice with ricotta and tomatoes), you can expect:
- Calories: around 390–400
- Protein: about 15–16 g
- Fat: about 15–16 g
- Carbohydrates: about 47–48 g
The protein from ricotta helps keep you full. Fat makes the toast creamy and satisfying.
Tomatoes add vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. These support your health in simple, everyday ways.
If you drizzle olive oil or balsamic glaze on top, the numbers shift slightly. Olive oil bumps up the fat and calorie count.
Balsamic adds a touch of sugar. These extras don’t really take away from the nutritional value, but it’s something to keep in mind if you track your intake.
You get a mix of macronutrients in each bite. You can adjust portion sizes easily to match your needs.
Tomato Confit and Whipped Ricotta Toasts
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or hand mixer
- Spoon
- Toaster or grill pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp honey optional, for sweetness
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 4 slices rustic bread sourdough or ciabatta
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place cherry tomatoes and garlic in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
- Roast for 1.5–2 hours until tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and infused with flavor.
- Meanwhile, whip ricotta with honey and lemon zest in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Toast bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread whipped ricotta generously on each slice.
- Top with spoonfuls of tomato confit and roasted garlic.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g