Roasted Strawberry Ricotta Toast

When I want breakfast or brunch to feel a little extra special but still effortless I go for this roasted strawberry whipped ricotta toast It takes just a few fresh ingredients and transforms them into something creamy juicy and strikingly beautiful on the plate The contrast of tangy cheese honeyed berries and crisp bread makes this a dish you will return to all summer and beyond

I remember making this for a friend who insisted she did not like ricotta She asked for seconds before I even sat down It is that convincing

Ingredients

• Strawberries: Fresh ripe berries work best for maximum sweetness and that juicy finish Look for deep red berries without too many white tips
• Honey: Provides mellow floral sweetness and helps intensify the fruit flavor Try to use a raw or local variety if possible
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances out the sweetness Squeeze fresh lemon for best results
• Fresh Thyme: Herbs lift everything and thyme brings a surprising aromatic dimension Choose sprigs that are perky and bright green
• Rustic Bread: You want a sturdy crusty loaf here Sourdough or country style bread gives the best crunch and structure
• Olive Oil: Choose a good extra virgin oil to drizzle on your bread for richness and flavor
• Whole Milk Ricotta: Look for creamy not watery ricotta The higher the quality the smoother your final whipped cheese will be
• Sea Salt: A finishing flake of sea salt brings all the flavors to life

Instructions

Roast the Strawberries:

Toss hulled strawberries with honey lemon juice and sprigs of fresh thyme in a baking dish Slide everything into your preheated oven Let the berries roast for around twenty minutes Stir them gently halfway through so they cook evenly They should come out soft bubbling and surrounded by their own syrup Cool before using

Toast the Bread:

Slice your rustic bread to about one inch thick Drizzle with olive oil and set directly on your oven rack Bake for just a minute or until the surface takes on golden color and turns crisp Watch closely to avoid burning

Whip the Ricotta:

Scoop the ricotta cheese into your food processor Add a little pinch of salt Blitz for half a minute up to one minute occasionally scraping down the sides The goal is creamy fluffy smooth cheese that spreads easily

Assemble the Toast:

Generously slather each toasted bread slice with the whipped ricotta Spoon over plenty of roasted strawberries plus their syrupy juices Scatter extra thyme leaves and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt Serve right away while still slightly warm

The whipped ricotta is my favorite part I have even used extra to dollop on pancakes or swirl into porridge It is also become the reason my teenage daughter sticks around for weekend breakfast just to steal a spoonful while we chat

Storage and Leftover Tips

This toast is best assembled right before serving Store leftover roasted strawberries in their syrup in an airtight jar for up to three days in the fridge Whipped ricotta can be prepped ahead and kept covered for two days Recrisp your bread in the oven if needed before assembling

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping thyme for basil or mint Use maple syrup in place of honey if you prefer For the cheese farmers cheese or mascarpone is delicious for a different texture

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Makes a crowdpleasing brunch starter alongside eggs or a leafy salad Turn it sweet with a dusting of cinnamon and a drizzle of extra honey It even works as a dessert paired with a glass of bubbly

Adapting for Every Season

Change up the fruit as seasons shift Stone fruits like peaches or plums roast beautifully in late summer In winter swap in roasted pears with a hint of cardamom

This beautiful toast will impress friends and family with almost no effort Try it once and you will want to enjoy it with every season’s fruit

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be roasted directly from frozen. Extra roasting time may be needed to reduce excess moisture.

→ What bread works best?

Rustic or artisan-style bread with a hearty crust and soft interior ensures a sturdy, flavorful base for this dish.

→ Is whipped ricotta necessary?

Whipping ricotta makes it extra fluffy and smooth, but you may also spread it directly if preferred for a denser texture.

→ Can I prepare elements in advance?

Roasted strawberries and whipped ricotta can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge until assembly.

→ How do I garnish for best presentation?

Finish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving to enhance both appearance and flavor.