Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Looking for a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet and savory flavors? This Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast is the perfect choice. With juicy, honey-roasted cherries, creamy ricotta, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this toast is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to impress, making this dish a go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of an Italian baguette, each about 1/4-inch thick
- 26 large very ripe cherries
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions:
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2 – Roast the Cherries:
- Remove the stems from the cherries, but leave the pits in to prevent too much juice from being released during roasting.
- Toss the cherries with 2 tablespoons of honey until they are well coated, then spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the cherries in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they start to release their juices and the skins begin to wrinkle. This roasting process intensifies the cherries’ sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Step 3 – Prepare the Bread and Ricotta:
- While the cherries are roasting, arrange the slices of baguette in an even layer on a separate baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the ricotta until it becomes creamy and smooth. This step ensures the ricotta will spread easily on the toast.
Step 4 – Toast the Bread:
- Once you remove the cherries from the oven, place the baking sheet with the bread slices into the oven.
- Toast the bread for about 4 minutes per side, or until it is golden and crisp on each side. Toasting the bread enhances its texture, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy ricotta and juicy cherries.
Step 5 – Pit the Cherries:
- While the bread is toasting, carefully pit the roasted cherries. To do this, make a small slice in the side of each cherry with a knife, allowing the pit to slip out easily. Be careful, as the cherries will be hot.
Step 6 – Assemble the Toasts:
- To assemble, spread about 2 tablespoons of the creamy ricotta on each slice of toast.
- Top the ricotta with 2-3 pitted cherries, allowing some of the roasted cherry juices to seep into the ricotta.
- Drizzle each toast with a bit more honey and a touch of balsamic vinegar for added sweetness and acidity. Finish with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Step 7 – Serve:
- You can either plate all of the toasts at once for a beautiful presentation, or set out the ingredients so each person can prepare their own toast.
- These toasts are best served immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
Conclusion:
Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. The creamy ricotta paired with the juicy, roasted cherries, and a drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a complex and satisfying bite. Whether you’re serving these toasts at a brunch gathering or enjoying them as a light snack, they are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the best of summer’s bounty!
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Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Honey Roasted Cherry & Ricotta Toast is a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines the richness of creamy ricotta with the sweetness of honey-roasted cherries. The roasted cherries, slightly caramelized from the honey, provide a burst of juicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild, creamy ricotta. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy contrast, while a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall taste.
Ingredients
12 slices of an Italian baguette, each about 1/4-inch thick
26 large very ripe cherries
2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Roast the Cherries: Remove the stems from the cherries, but do not remove the pits to prevent too much juice from being released. Toss the cherries with 2 tablespoons of honey and spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cherries start to release their juices and the skins begin to wrinkle.
Prepare the Bread and Ricotta: While the cherries are roasting, place the bread slices in an even layer on a separate baking sheet. Beat the ricotta in a large mixing bowl with a whisk or in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until creamy.
Toast the Bread: When you remove the cherries from the oven, place the bread slices in the oven and toast for 4 minutes per side, until golden on each side.
Pit the Cherries: While the bread is toasting, carefully pit the roasted cherries by making a small slice in the side of each cherry with a knife, allowing the pit to slip out easily.
Assemble the Toasts: To serve, spread each slice of toast with about 2 tablespoons of ricotta, top with 2-3 pitted cherries, drizzle with honey and balsamic vinegar, and finish with a pinch of sea salt.
Serve: You can plate all of the toasts at once or set out the ingredients so each person can prepare their own toast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200