15 -Minutes Honey Ricotta Toast with Pistachios
This Honey Ricotta Toast with Pistachios recipe delivers a fresh and easy appetizer or snack combining creamy ricotta, crunchy nuts, and natural honey sweetness. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for casual gatherings or a quick bite.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Silicone pastry brush
- Measuring Spoons (set)
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 large slices sourdough bread
- Olive oil for brushing (amount as needed)
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup pistachios chopped
- Flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Arrange Bread: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for toasting the bread evenly. While the oven heats, place four large slices of sourdough bread on a clean baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer with enough space between slices to allow air circulation, which helps achieve an even, golden toast.
- Brush Bread with Olive Oil: Using a silicone pastry brush, lightly coat the top surface of each bread slice with olive oil. This step is crucial because the oil will enhance the crispness of the toast, create a beautiful golden color, and add a subtle richness that complements the creamy ricotta topping.
- Toast the Bread Slices: Place the baking sheet with the oiled bread slices into the preheated oven. Allow the bread to toast for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The bread should turn golden brown and develop a crisp crust while remaining slightly tender inside. For even toasting, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
- Cool Toast Slightly Before Spreading: Once toasted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the bread slices to cool for about 2 minutes on the sheet or a cooling rack. This short resting period ensures that the bread is cool enough to handle safely but still warm enough to gently soften the ricotta, making it easier to spread.
- Spread Fresh Ricotta Cheese Generously: Spoon about 2 tablespoons (half of the 1/2 cup total) of part-skim ricotta onto each slice of toasted bread. Using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the ricotta evenly across the surface, covering the entire slice. The ricotta should be creamy and thick—if it seems watery, strain it beforehand using a cheesecloth for best texture.
- Drizzle with Natural Honey: Next, take about one tablespoon of honey and slowly drizzle it over each ricotta-covered toast. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that balances the mild, creamy cheese and the salty crunch from the pistachios. You can adjust the honey quantity to your personal preference, adding more if you enjoy a sweeter bite.
- Sprinkle Chopped Pistachios for Crunch: Sprinkle roughly 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios evenly over the honey-drizzled ricotta to add texture and a nutty flavor. The pistachios provide a satisfying crunch and bring healthy fats, fiber, and protein, enhancing both nutrition and taste.
- Finish with a Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt: To complete the flavor profile, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over each toast. The salt will elevate the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the ricotta, providing a perfect balance and a slight savory contrast that makes every bite irresistible.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Serve the Honey Ricotta Toast immediately while the toast still has a slight warmth and the textures are fresh. This appetizer or snack pairs beautifully with a fresh salad for brunch or a crisp white wine for an elegant start to dinner. Enjoy the blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty in every bite!
Notes
- Use fresh, creamy ricotta for the best texture and flavor. If the ricotta is watery, drain it in a cheesecloth for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
- Brushing bread with olive oil before toasting creates a crisp, golden crust that’s more flavorful than plain toasted bread.
- Toast the bread just until golden; avoid over-toasting to keep a nice soft interior beneath the crunchy crust.
- Pistachios can be substituted with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, but pistachios offer a unique flavor and texture.
- Flaky sea salt is preferred over regular salt for a delicate finish and added crunch.
