Roasted Strawberry Ricotta Toast
Roasted strawberry ricotta toast is a simple yet gourmet breakfast that’s bursting with flavor.
Sweet, juicy strawberries caramelize in the oven, pairing perfectly with creamy ricotta and crisp, golden toast.
Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous touch, while a drizzle of honey or maple syrup brings the perfect amount of sweetness.
It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and feels like a treat—whether you’re enjoying a slow morning or hosting a brunch.
Ready to take your toast to the next level? Let’s get started!
For the Toast:
- Gluten-free bread – Toasted to golden perfection, this serves as the perfect crispy base.
- Vegan ricotta cheese – Made from blanched almonds and coconut milk, offering a creamy, dairy-free spread.
- Roasted strawberries – Caramelized strawberries, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves – A burst of freshness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Honey, agave, or maple syrup – A drizzle of sweetness to finish the dish.
For the Vegan Ricotta Cheese:
- Blanched almonds – These create the creamy, nutty base for the ricotta.
- Nutritional yeast – Adds a cheesy flavor to the ricotta, making it rich and savory.
- Coconut milk – The solid part of the coconut milk gives the ricotta its smooth texture.
- Salt – A pinch to enhance the overall flavor of the ricotta.
- Lemon juice – Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
- Apple cider vinegar – A touch of tang to complement the other ingredients and help with the ricotta’s flavor.
For the Roasted Strawberries:
- Fresh strawberries – Washed, trimmed, and cut into various sizes for different textures.
- Maple syrup – Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes during roasting.
- Pure vanilla bean paste or extract – A hint of vanilla to enhance the flavor of the strawberries.
- Pinch of salt – To intensify the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Roasted Strawberry Ricotta Toast
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For the Toast
- Gluten-free bread, toasted
- Vegan ricotta cheese (see below)
- Roasted strawberries (see below)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Honey, agave, or maple syrup
For the Vegan Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ½ cups blanched almonds
- 2 ½ tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 can coconut milk (solid part only)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For the Roasted Strawberries
- 32 oz fresh strawberries, washed and trimmed (some whole, some halved, some quartered)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste or extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Vegan Ricotta Cheese
- Soak almonds overnight or boil them for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- Blend almonds, nutritional yeast, coconut milk solids, salt, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a high-speed blender until smooth. Scrape sides as needed.
- For best texture, place the ricotta in a cheesecloth or layered paper towels, wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Roasted Strawberries
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss strawberries with maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
- Spread onto a greased baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
Assemble the Toast
- Toast your favorite gluten-free bread.
- Spread a generous layer of vegan ricotta.
- Top with roasted strawberries.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with honey, agave, or maple syrup.
Notes
- Sweetener Options: Honey is not strictly vegan, so substitute with agave or maple syrup if preferred.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the ricotta the day before for optimal flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
1. Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese instead of making it from scratch?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use store-bought ricotta cheese. For a little extra creaminess, blend the ricotta with some honey and lemon zest for a smoother, richer texture. It’s a quick way to get that perfect creamy spread without the extra effort!
2. How do I prevent my toast from getting soggy?
The trick is to toast the bread really well until it’s golden and crispy before adding any toppings. This will give it a sturdy base, so the ricotta and roasted strawberries won’t make it soggy. A nice, crispy toast will hold up beautifully!
3. Can I make the roasted strawberries and ricotta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the strawberries and make the ricotta up to 3 days ahead. Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, toast the bread fresh, heat the strawberries a little, and assemble for a quick breakfast or snack.
4. What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Hearty, crusty bread works best! Think sourdough, ciabatta, or a French baguette. These types of bread hold up well under the toppings and add the perfect amount of crunch to balance out the creamy ricotta and juicy strawberries.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
It’s easy! Just swap the ricotta for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew ricotta or almond ricotta. You can also drizzle maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Make sure the bread you choose is vegan-friendly, and you’re all set!
With these simple adjustments, you can tailor this recipe to your preferences and make it easier to whip up in no time!
