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This roasted strawberry whipped ricotta toast transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. The combination of sweet caramelized strawberries and creamy whipped ricotta creates a perfect balance that's both satisfying and elegant enough for weekend brunch entertaining.
I created this recipe when trying to use up an abundance of summer strawberries from our local farmers market. What started as a simple experiment has become my go-to impressive breakfast when hosting friends for brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, creating a jammy topping.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity that enhances the strawberry flavor.
- Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the fruit's natural flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the creamy base.
- Crusty bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or artisan loaf with good structure.
- Fresh herbs: Optional but thyme or basil add brightness and visual appeal.
- Extra honey: For drizzling, creates a beautiful finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The moderate heat allows the strawberries to release their juices without burning.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Hull and slice strawberries into even pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Place them in a mixing bowl and gently toss with honey, balsamic vinegar, and salt until evenly coated. The balsamic might seem unusual but it enhances the natural sweetness of the berries.
- Roast the Strawberries:
- Spread the strawberry mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized around the edges. You'll notice they release juices that thicken into a delicious syrup.
- Whip the Ricotta:
- While the strawberries roast, place ricotta in a medium bowl with honey and vanilla. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whip for about 2 minutes until the texture becomes light and fluffy. The transformation is remarkable as the dense cheese becomes almost cloudlike.
- Toast the Bread:
- Slice your bread to desired thickness and toast until golden brown and crisp enough to support the toppings. A toaster works fine, but for extra flavor, try brushing with olive oil and toasting in a skillet.
- Assemble Your Toast:
- Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta onto each slice of toast, creating a pillowy bed for the strawberries. Spoon the roasted strawberries along with their syrupy juices over the ricotta layer.
- Add Final Touches:
- Garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves or torn basil for color and aroma. Finish with a light drizzle of honey across the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
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The balsamic vinegar is my secret ingredient here. I discovered its magic with strawberries years ago when visiting Italy, where our host served fresh berries macerated with aged balsamic. The subtle tang it brings to this dish elevates the entire experience from simple toast to a memorable meal.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare the components separately up to two days before serving. Store the roasted strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped ricotta also keeps well sealed in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toast your bread fresh and assemble. This makes entertaining effortless while still presenting something homemade.
Seasonal Variations
While strawberries are the star of the original recipe, this method works beautifully with other seasonal fruits. Try roasted peaches or nectarines in summer, figs in early fall, or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon in winter. The basic technique remains the same just adjust roasting times based on the firmness of your fruit.
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is naturally vegetarian but can be easily adapted for different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta with whipped coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese. Gluten-free bread works perfectly as the base without any other modifications needed. For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup in both the strawberries and the cream component.
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This elevated toast goes beyond breakfast, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes! Both the roasted strawberries and whipped ricotta can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before assembling your toast.
- → What's the best bread to use for this toast?
Sourdough or a rustic country loaf work beautifully as they provide good structure and flavor contrast. Brioche can be an excellent option for a sweeter base. Whatever bread you choose, make sure to toast it well for textural contrast with the creamy ricotta.
- → Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone for an even creamier result, or Greek yogurt (strained) for a tangier, lighter option. Cottage cheese blended until smooth can also work in a pinch.
- → Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
You can use balsamic glaze for a sweeter profile, or substitute with red wine vinegar plus a bit of extra honey. Aged sherry vinegar also works well with strawberries.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like whipped tofu cream cheese (blend firm tofu with a little lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast). Several brands also make plant-based ricotta alternatives that whip up nicely.
- → What herbs pair best with strawberries?
Basil is the classic pairing with strawberries, offering a fragrant complement. Thyme provides an earthy note that balances the sweetness. Mint is another excellent option for a refreshing twist.