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Fresh Tomato Toast

Featured in: Snacks and Appetizers for Every Gathering

Take toast up a notch with this easy idea. Thick slices of rustic bread are toasted and spread with tangy garlic-lemon mayo. Add fresh heirloom tomatoes, sesame seeds for crunch, and chopped chives. Finish with flaky sea salt and a pinch of Aleppo pepper for brightness. Fast, simple, and perfect for any time of day, this dish makes the sweet summer tomato the star. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the ultimate no-fuss meal that highlights seasonal produce.
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Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:43:04 GMT
Crunchy Toast with Succulent Tomatoes, Sesame & Chives Pin it
Crunchy Toast with Succulent Tomatoes, Sesame & Chives | tastefullyrecipe.com

Creamy ricotta meets sun-ripened tomatoes on crunchy, golden bread, making a taste explosion that's now my favorite lunch. This laid-back Mediterranean toast turns basic stuff into something special that always hits the spot. The mix of smooth ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy sesame seeds gives you different textures that make each bite amazing.

Whenever I make this for friends at my brunch get-togethers, they can't believe how such basic ingredients turn into something so tasty. The trick is letting each part do its thing while everything works together just right.

Key Recipe Elements

  • Whole milk ricotta that's fresh: Go for the ricotta that seems airy and soft, and stay away from any that feels gritty or too wet
  • Quality bread: Pick a loaf that seems dense for its size with a good outer crust that won't fall apart
  • Tomatoes at peak ripeness: Press them lightly to check they're not too soft or hard, with bright colors and a nice smell

Building Your Ultimate Toast

Getting The Bread Ready:
Toast thick slices until they're golden with crispy edges but still a bit soft inside. This makes the perfect base that'll hold your toppings while giving you that nice crunch.
Handling The Ricotta:
Take the ricotta out about 15 minutes early. Use a spoon's back to make wavy patterns spreading a thick layer all over your toast, making sure to cover right to the edges.
Working With Tomatoes:
Cut your tomatoes using a sharp knife, placing them carefully on the ricotta. Try to make all pieces about the same size so every bite tastes balanced.
Adding The Finishing Touches:
Scatter toasted sesame seeds all over, making sure they're evenly spread. Then drizzle olive oil so it settles into the little dips in the ricotta.
Savory Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds Pin it
Savory Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds | tastefullyrecipe.com

In our house, we've found that olive oil from Sicily really works wonders with this combo, its strong flavor pairs perfectly with the mild ricotta and sweet tomatoes.

Tempting Serving Suggestions

Make this toast a full meal by adding more tasty layers. Try it with some peppery arugula with just lemon juice and olive oil for a quick lunch. If you want something more filling, serve it with a side of roasted tomato soup. When you have friends over, cut the toast into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a wooden board with fresh figs and a drizzle of honey.

Clever Ways To Switch It Up

Change this simple combo by playing with different bases and toppings to make it your own. Swap the ricotta for whipped feta if you want something more tangy, or go for burrata if you're feeling fancy. If you don't do dairy, try mashed white beans with herbs instead. Add more flavor with things like roasted garlic, slow-cooked onions, or marinated artichoke hearts.

Keeping Everything Fresh

This tastes best right away, but you can get things ready ahead of time for quick assembly. Keep ricotta in a sealed container away from other ingredients to keep its texture nice. Never put garden tomatoes in the fridge because it kills their flavor. When planning ahead, only slice tomatoes right before eating so they don't get soggy.

Close-up Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds Recipe Pin it
Close-up Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds Recipe | tastefullyrecipe.com

After making this for years, I've learned that what makes it great is how simple it is. Don't try to get too fancy - just let good ingredients shine. Whether you have it for a quick breakfast or serve it to guests as an appetizer, this ricotta and tomato toast always brings a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to the table. The combo of creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements gives you a perfectly balanced bite that shows off the beauty of simple, good ingredients treated with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which tomatoes suit this best?
Ripe heirlooms taste amazing, but any fresh, seasonal tomatoes will do. Just go for the ripest ones you can find for the best flavor.
→ Can I prep the mayo in advance?
You sure can! Make the garlic-lemon mayo up to 3 days before and store it in the fridge in a sealed container.
→ What works instead of Aleppo pepper?
Try a blend of sweet paprika and cayenne. Or, use red pepper flakes for similar heat and flavor.
→ What's the best bread for this?
Go with rustic sourdough or hearty country bread. The thicker the slice, the better for holding juicy toppings.
→ How do I avoid soggy toast?
Toast the bread until it's nice and golden. Let it cool for a bit before adding toppings, and eat it right after assembling.

Fresh Tomato Toast

Juicy ripe tomatoes take the spotlight on this simple toast, topped with flavorful garlic mayo, sesame seeds, and fresh chives for a quick, light meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: New American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base & Spread

01 4 thick slices of rustic bread, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch each
02 2 large garlic confit cloves, mashed into a smooth paste
03 1/2 cup high-quality mayo
04 1 fresh lemon, zest and juice (use half the juice)

→ Toppings

05 3 medium or 4-5 small heirloom tomato slices
06 Freshly cracked black pepper of your liking
07 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds
08 A good pinch of flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
09 Aleppo pepper for a little kick, optional
10 Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to finish
11 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a small bowl and combine the mashed garlic with your mayo. Add half of the lemon's juice, plus a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a mix until everything is blended and tastes delicious.

Step 02

Spread the garlic-lemon mayo generously onto your toasted slices. Arrange the tomato pieces on top, overlapping slightly. For bigger tomatoes, cutting them in half first might make it easier to layer.

Step 03

Scatter some fresh chives and sesame seeds across your toast. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and a bit more black pepper, followed by Aleppo pepper if you like some heat. Add a light drizzle of olive oil and a final touch of freshly grated lemon zest.

Notes

  1. This veggie-friendly take on a BLT shines with juicy summer tomatoes as the star
  2. Inspired by Bon Appétit’s version

Tools You'll Need

  • A small bowl for mixing
  • Toaster to crisp the bread
  • Sharp knife to slice up tomatoes

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes eggs (because of the mayo)
  • Contains sesame seeds
  • Includes wheat (from the bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 6 g