Save My neighbor showed up at my door one Saturday morning with a basket of strawberries from the farmer's market, insisting I had to do something special with them before they peaked. I'd been eyeing ricotta at the store the day before, and suddenly this toast felt like the obvious answer—something that could go from idea to plate in the time it takes to brew coffee. The combination of creamy and bright, warm and cool, felt like it was meant to happen.
I made this for my partner on Valentine's Day morning, and watching their face light up at the color and simplicity of it made me realize that good food doesn't need to be complicated to feel thoughtful. We ate it at the kitchen counter in our pajamas, and that felt more romantic than any reservation could have been.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or rustic bread, 4 slices: The structure matters here—you want something with enough tooth to hold up to toasting without crumbling under the weight of toppings, and sourdough's tang plays beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 cup: Don't skip the whole-milk version; it's richer and stays creamy rather than drying out, and the difference is honestly noticeable.
- Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon: This is the secret that makes everything taste brighter without tasting like lemon, cutting through the richness in a way that feels almost magical.
- Honey, 2 tablespoons total: Split between the ricotta mixture and drizzling on top—it's your sweetness anchor and brings all the flavors into focus.
- Fresh strawberries, 1 cup, hulled and sliced: Choose berries that smell sweet and have some give to them; they'll reward you with actual flavor instead of that disappointing watery bite.
- Fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon, chopped: Optional but worth including if you have it—it adds a whisper of freshness that makes the whole thing feel less heavy.
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: These aren't afterthoughts; they amplify the strawberry sweetness and add a savory edge that keeps the toast from feeling one-note.
Instructions
- Toast the bread until it's golden and crispy:
- You want an actual crunch that'll hold up when you spread things on top, not just warmed bread. Listen for that satisfying crack when you bite into it.
- Mix the ricotta with brightness:
- Stir together the ricotta, lemon zest, and honey in a bowl until it's smooth and pale, almost like you're making it lighter with each stroke. Taste it and add a pinch of salt if it needs grounding.
- Spread the creamy layer:
- Use the back of a spoon to get an even coat across each warm slice, working gently so the toast stays intact. The warmth of the toast should soften the ricotta just slightly, which is exactly what you want.
- Layer on the strawberries:
- Arrange your sliced berries in a pattern that makes you happy—there's no wrong way, but overlapping them looks nicer than scattered. Some of the juice will soak into the ricotta, which creates this unexpected savory sweetness.
- Finish with flourish:
- Drizzle with a little more honey, add the mint if you're using it, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and pepper. This final seasoning step is what transforms it from nice to memorable.
- Serve right away:
- The magic window is now—when the toast is still warm and crispy and hasn't started to soften from the moisture of the berries.
Save There's something about watching someone close their eyes after the first bite that makes you understand why food matters. It's not about impressing anyone; it's about creating a moment where everything else falls away.
Why This Works as a Brunch Dish
Brunch exists in this weird space where you're allowed to serve something that's technically a dessert for a meal, and this toast walks that line perfectly. It feels special enough for guests but casual enough that you don't stress about plating, and it comes together faster than most people can pour a second cup of coffee. The strawberries give it the lightness of fruit while the ricotta provides real substance, so you're not left feeling like you just ate candy an hour later.
Ways to Make It Your Own
Once you nail the basic formula, this becomes a canvas for whatever you have on hand or whatever season you're cooking in. I've made it with raspberries in summer when they're cheap, with roasted rhubarb in spring, and even with sliced figs and a drizzle of balsamic in early fall. The ricotta-lemon base is flexible enough that it plays well with almost any fruit that's at its peak.
Small Upgrades That Make a Difference
The base recipe is already delicious, but a few additions turn it from good to the-kind-of-thing-people-ask-you-to-make-again territory. The chopped pistachios add a textural contrast that makes each bite interesting, the flaky salt brings everything into focus, and the black pepper is the unexpected edge that keeps your palate awake. These aren't mandatory, but they're the kinds of details that separate a nice breakfast from one you'll actually remember.
- Toast any nuts you add for an extra 2 minutes in a dry pan before chopping them, so they're warm and smell incredible when you sprinkle them on.
- If you swap the ricotta for mascarpone, use a tiny bit less honey since mascarpone is already sweeter and richer.
- Make it vegan by using coconut yogurt mixed with a tiny bit of aquafaba instead of ricotta, and you'll barely notice the difference.
Save This is the kind of recipe that sits in your back pocket until you need to feel like you've got your life together, or until someone shows up with beautiful strawberries and you remember why simple things done well are always the answer. Make it, share it, and watch what happens.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough or rustic bread provides the ideal texture and flavor when toasted to golden crispiness.
- → Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Mascarpone or whipped cream cheese can be used for a similar creamy base with slight variations in taste.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the toast?
Sprinkle chopped pistachios or sliced almonds on top for added texture and nutty notes.
- → Is there a good alternative sweetener for honey?
Agave syrup works well, especially if you're aiming for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Freshly chopped mint leaves add a refreshing herbaceous touch that pairs beautifully with strawberries and ricotta.