The Best Ricotta Toast, and an Update on My Gut-Health Journey

It’s true what they say: the best things in life are often the simplest. And nowhere is that more true than with toast, also known as one of the greatest foods on earth. Whether it’s topped with avocado and smoked salmon or simply slathered with jam, toast is not only a perfect flavor combo, for me, it also signifies ultimate comfort.

Growing up, a sick day meant toast and tea curled up on the couch with a movie. And there’s one toast memory I’ll never forget. After a 30-hour labor giving birth to my daughter, my mom brought me my favorite fruit and nut bread, toasted and slathered with butter. Nothing had ever tasted better (and I’d never been hungrier.)

Why I’m Eating Sourdough Bread Again

Which brings me to this ricotta toast recipe. I’ve always loved the combination of creamy ricotta cheese slathered onto toasted sourdough. When it comes to texture combinations, it honestly doesn’t get better. But since adopting a grain-free diet last summer, toast has been off the menu. Until recently. I’ve slowly been starting to reincorporate a bit of sourdough back into my diet, and so far—my gut issues haven’t resurfaced. In my research, here’s what I learned:

The fermentation process that gives the bread its distinctive sour taste also makes it more gut-friendly. Millions of people are suffering from digestive malaise, and if you’re sensitive to foods containing gluten or have irritable bowel syndrome, sourdough bacteria’s ability to break down flour has never been more important. – Vanessa Kimbell via Bon Appetit

It’s fascinating! And it’s key to make sure that what you’re getting is “real” sourdough that’s been slowly leavened, not simply store-bought bread with a sour flavor that’s been leavened with fast-rising yeast. I’ll keep you guys posted on my sourdough journey, but in the meantime—let’s talk about this ricotta toast! First thing to mention: this recipe is so simple that it may not even feel like a recipe. However, it’s one of those delicious bites that is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s dive in.

Ricotta: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

When deciding whether to use store-bought ricotta versus making your own, there’s no right answer: both can be absolutely delicious, and it comes down to how much time you have. I shared many years ago how I make my own ricotta at home, and I’m still using the same method—it’s one of the most satisfying and delicious ingredients to make, and you’ll be shocked at how easy it is.

That said, there is zero shame in purchasing a high-quality ricotta from the grocery. You’ll just want to make sure that it’s full-fat (made from whole milk). A lot of what’s on the shelves is the “part-skim ricotta,” which I would only use in a recipe like lasagna. For this, you’re gonna want the creamy goodness of full fat.

Ricotta Toast Toppings

For this version, I wanted to highlight the simple flavors of the crusty sourdough toast with the creamy ricotta, so I kept toppings at a minimum: honey, chopped pistachios, thyme, flaky salt, and Aleppo pepper. However, ricotta toast lends itself to all kinds of creative inspiration. Here are a few topping ideas I’ve tried and loved:

• Banana and granola
• Melon and mint
• Blackberries and lime zest
• Radishes and chives
• Slow-roasted tomatoes and basil
• Pears with honey

Health Benefits of Ricotta Toast

Sourdough bread. Unlike conventional breads, sourdough undergoes a fermentation process that gives its signature tangy flavor and enhances its gut-friendly properties. This slow fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest and (as discussed above) sometimes reducing digestive discomfort for those with sensitivities.

Whole-milk ricotta cheese offers a dose of protein and calcium, essential nutrients for muscle repair and bone health.

Honey is a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants and soothing properties, pistachios provide healthy fats and fiber, and thyme is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Each bite of this ricotta toast is both indulgent and nourishing.

You are going to love this ricotta toast for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Let me know if you give it a try—and if you have any sourdough/gut health stories to share, I’d love to hear in the comments. Scroll on for the recipe for this easy and delicious ricotta toast.

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