A rustic, elegant appetizer featuring pan-roasted tomatoes spooned over lemony ricotta on crispy toasted bread. A perfect blend of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6–8 tartines
Category:Appetizer
Method:Roasting
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups ripe tomatoes (Roma, plum, or cherry), halved or sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 small shallot or 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme or oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of sugar (optional)
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil or chives, optional)
6–8 slices rustic bread (baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta)
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
1 garlic clove, cut (optional, for rubbing on toast)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). In a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, toss tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, shallot/onion, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20–30 minutes, until tomatoes are caramelized and bubbling. Let cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy. Stir in chopped herbs if using.
Toast the bread by brushing slices with olive oil and toasting under a broiler or in a toaster oven until golden. Optionally rub each toast with a cut garlic clove.
Spread ricotta mixture generously over each toast. Spoon pan-roasted tomatoes and their juices on top.
Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky salt or black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Roast tomatoes and mix ricotta in advance for easy assembly.
Toast bread just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Use cherry, Roma, or plum tomatoes — or a mix — for variety in flavor and texture.
Add balsamic glaze, pine nuts, or chili flakes for extra flair.