Save to Pinterest Ricotta Strawberry Toasts with Nut Crunch are my secret to transforming a handful of simple ingredients into an effortlessly elegant breakfast or snack The creamy ricotta melts into crisp toast while sweet strawberries and warm honeyed nuts create a vibrant contrast in every bite Perfect for mornings when you want something beautiful with just a few minutes of time
When I made these for my book club everyone raved and the plate vanished in minutes Now I make extra nut crunch just to boost my weekday oatmeal too
Ingredients
- Sourdough or multigrain bread: Adds flavor and crunch Choose a sturdy loaf for best results
- Ricotta cheese: Whipped creamy and rich Use a good-quality whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess
- Fresh strawberries: Juicy and mildly tart Pick ripe and bright berries for peak flavor
- Mixed nuts: Almonds pistachios walnuts add texture Toasting deepens the flavor so try to get raw unsalted nuts for the best results
- Honey: Balances the tangy ricotta and adds a floral note Look for local honey with a mild or citrusy taste
- Unsalted butter: Bonds the nut topping and adds delicate richness European-style butter gives best flavor if you have it
- Sea salt: Just a pinch makes sweet notes pop Flaky sea salt looks beautiful too
- Fresh mint leaves: Optional but refreshing They brighten up every bite
- Lemon zest: Finishes with a zing Smells and tastes amazing on the finished toast
Instructions
- Toast the Bread:
- Toast four slices of sourdough or your favorite multigrain bread Use medium-high heat so the surface turns golden and crisp but the interior stays a little chewy This contrast makes the base sturdy and delicious
- Make the Honeyed Nut Crunch:
- Melt one tablespoon unsalted butter in a small skillet on medium Add roughly chopped mixed nuts and a pinch of sea salt Stir frequently for about three minutes until the nuts are fragrant and lightly browned Drizzle in one tablespoon honey then toss everything together for another minute The honey will bubble and coat the nuts creating a sticky crunchy cluster Let this cool slightly so it crisps up
- Spread the Ricotta:
- Spoon a generous layer of ricotta onto each toast Use the back of your spoon to make little swoops or leave it rustic This base catches the nut crunch and fruit
- Add the Strawberries:
- Scatter sliced fresh strawberries evenly across the ricotta Press in gently so they do not slide off Use the juiciest and brightest berries for extra color and taste
- Top with Nut Crunch:
- Sprinkle the prepared nut crunch over each toast Make sure to get sticky clusters on every piece so you enjoy flavor and crunch in every bite
- Finish with Honey and Garnish:
- Drizzle more honey over the top and add fresh mint leaves and lemon zest if using The herbs and citrus will brighten the final flavor
- Serve Immediately:
- Arrange the toasts on a platter and serve while the toast is still crisp and the nut crunch is glossy and warm
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is the warm honeyed nut crunch As a kid I always picked the nut clusters off every treat Now I feel like a grown-up making them from scratch My daughter loves to help drizzle the honey as the finishing touch so these toasts have become our go-to for lazy Saturday mornings
Storage Tips
Store the nut crunch in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature Ricotta and fruit are best prepped fresh Toasts are best assembled just before eating so everything stays crisp but you can toast the bread and prep toppings while your coffee brews
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap strawberries for any sweet berry like raspberries blueberries or even sliced figs For a vegan version use plant-based ricotta and maple syrup instead of honey Pecans or even sunflower seeds make a tasty nut crunch if you have a nut allergy in your crowd
Serving Suggestions
Cut each toast in halves or quarters for a party platter For a relaxed brunch add a bowl of Greek yogurt on the side or serve with a citrus salad for a full meal Kids especially love these cut into fun shapes using a cookie cutter
Cultural and Historical Context
Ricotta has roots in many European cuisines especially Italian kitchens where it is prized for its creamy freshness Toast culture has evolved too from simple buttered slices to today’s creative toppings Nut and honey toppings echo classic Mediterranean desserts and breakfast foods so you get a world of tradition in each bite
Save to Pinterest With just a few extra touches these ricotta strawberry toasts become a breakfast or brunch centerpiece you will want to make again and again They are as beautiful as they are delicious
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you toast the bread perfectly?
Use a toaster or grill pan to achieve a golden, crisp texture, ensuring the bread holds up well to toppings.
- → Can other fruit be used besides strawberries?
Yes, try raspberries, blueberries, or fresh figs for a different flavor or seasonal variation.
- → How can this dish be made vegan?
Swap ricotta for plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What nuts work best for the crunchy topping?
A blend of almonds, pistachios, or walnuts adds rich crunch, but any preferred nut can be used.
- → Are there tips for extra flavor?
Try mixing vanilla or lemon zest into the ricotta, or finish with mint leaves and extra honey drizzle.