Name: Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast – Appetizer Recipes You'll Crave
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 4 slices sourdough or multigrain bread, toasted; Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

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Ever had one of those lazy Sundays where you’re craving something cozy but not boring? That’s how this roasted tomato basil ricotta toast came into my life—and never left. It’s the kind of dish that whispers ‘comfort’ but still shows up like it’s wearing lipstick. The creaminess of the ricotta? Pure joy. The cherry tomatoes? They roast down into these juicy little flavor bombs. Add some fresh basil and toast, and suddenly, you’re not just making food—you’re creating a moment. It checks every box for a great snack: it’s fast, unfussy, and honestly, kind of addictive. If you’re a fan of appetizer recipes that taste fancy without the effort, or if you’re always looking for that one recipe with tomatoes that actually lives up to the hype, this one delivers. It’s perfect for those who love ricotta recipes, are hunting for healthy ricotta recipes, or need more go-to recipes with cherry tomatoes. Grab your toast. Let’s do this.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast Recipe
3) Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
4) How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
5) Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
6) Making Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
8) Try these appetizer recipes next!
9) Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This appetizer recipe takes about 30 minutes total
Great for using up cherry tomatoes or ricotta
Perfect as a light lunch, snack, or party bite
Vegetarian, simple, and visually gorgeous

2) Easy Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast Recipe

Sometimes, a dish surprises you in the best way. I threw this appetizer recipe together one afternoon when I had some ricotta left over and a bunch of cherry tomatoes that were one wrinkle away from going soft. What happened next felt almost too good to be true.

The tomatoes roasted down to sweet little jewels, the ricotta spread like a dream, and that basil? Let’s just say I started slicing up extra toast so I wouldn’t waste a single bit. This toast might sound simple, but it gives so much more than it asks.

I’ve made this more times than I care to admit. It works for brunches, happy hour, lazy Sundays, or those “please just let me eat something decent” moments. It’s the kind of appetizer recipe that feels fancy but only takes one baking tray and a toaster. Yes, you heard me. It’s humble and it’s glorious.

3) Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast

Cherry Tomatoes: Go for the brightest, juiciest ones you can find. Halve them so they roast faster and turn into soft little flavor bombs. Bonus if they’re a mix of colors.

Olive Oil: Just enough to coat those tomatoes and help them caramelize. Use something with real flavor if you can—this is a good moment to bring out the nicer bottle hiding in the back.

Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle makes the tomatoes sing. I’ve tried fresh garlic too, but the powder spreads more evenly and doesn’t burn as easily in the oven.

Salt and Pepper: Don’t be shy. Salt wakes everything up and pepper adds that slight edge we all secretly love.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild, and the perfect partner to roasted tomatoes. Full-fat works best here. If it’s a little watery, just give it a quick stir or drain through cheesecloth.

Fresh Basil: Tear it with your hands. It smells like summer and tastes like you did something impressive, even when you didn’t.

Bread: Sourdough, multigrain, or even a slice of baguette. Toast it until it’s golden on the edges but still soft in the center. You want crunch, not crackers.

Balsamic Glaze (Optional): A drizzle makes this feel restaurant-worthy. It adds sweet-tangy depth and looks gorgeous too.

4) How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment if you’re not into scrubbing later.

Step 2. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the tray, cut-side up. Roast for about 20 minutes, until they start to blister and caramelize around the edges.

Step 3. While those roast, toast your bread slices. I use a pan when I want a golden crisp or the toaster if I’m in a hurry. Just don’t skip this part. Crunch matters.

Step 4. Spoon the ricotta onto each slice of toast. Don’t be shy—it’s not garnish, it’s the star.

Step 5. Layer the warm tomatoes over the ricotta. Let the juices sink in a little.

Step 6. Tear basil over the top and, if you’re going all-in, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze. That contrast? Chef’s kiss.

Step 7. Serve right away. This toast does not believe in waiting.

5) Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast

Pick a bread with structure. Nothing too thin or floppy. You need it to hold up under all that juicy roasted tomato goodness.

If your ricotta feels a bit bland, try mixing in a pinch of lemon zest or even a swirl of honey. You want contrast to the tangy tomatoes. That balance is where the appetizer recipe really shines.

Make more tomatoes than you think you’ll need. Trust me. You’ll eat half straight off the tray. If any survive, they go great on eggs or tossed into salads the next day.

6) Making Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast Ahead of Time

You can roast the tomatoes a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just bring them back to room temp or give them a quick warm-up in the oven before using.

The ricotta can be prepped too. Mix it with a little salt and pepper and stash it in an airtight container. The flavor deepens overnight, which makes this appetizer recipe even better on day two.

Don’t toast the bread until the last minute. Nobody likes soggy toast. Assemble just before serving so every bite is crisp, creamy, and warm all at once.

7) Storing Leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast

Honestly, it’s best fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers, store the ricotta and roasted tomatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

<pThey’ll keep for up to three days. Toast fresh bread when you're ready and layer it up again. Don’t reheat the whole thing once assembled—it won’t be the same.

This makes a great fridge-foraging lunch later in the week. I’ve eaten leftover tomatoes cold, straight from the container. No shame here.

8) Try these appetizer recipes next!

9) Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Toast