Ricotta toast is a delicious breakfast on its own, but adding fresh citrus takes it to another level!
My version of this recipe is fairly healthy and can be made in just 15 minutes.
I’m a big fan of combining citrus with a creamy element, like in my Greek yogurt bowls, and this recipe is another great example of why that combination works.
The creamy ricotta cheese, tangy orange, and sweet honey is just so tasty, and you can easily customize the recipe with different types of bread and citrus fruits.
🍊 Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta toast is one of those recipes that can either be decadent and rich, or fresh and healthy. It really depends on the combination of ingredients that you use.
My version includes fresh Cara Cara oranges (that's why they look a bit pink), nuts for protein, whole-grain bread and just enough honey to sweeten it all up.
- Ricotta cheese, creamy full fat 100% whole milk ricotta cheese.
Substitute with a lower fat version, if desired. - Honey adds much needed sweetness, and any type of honey should work here. If you are watching your sugar or carb intake, be careful with how much honey you add to this recipe.
Substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar. - Nutmeg adds warm flavour but can be omitted.
- Pure Vanilla Extract rounds out the creaminess of the ricotta cheese and adds a touch of sweetness.
Substitute with artificial vanilla extract, but know that the flavour will be different. - Cara Cara oranges are naturally very sweet and taste better in this recipe than regular navel oranges.
Substitute with clementine or mandarin segments. - Pistachios add crunch, colour and protein.
Substitute with pecans or omit them entirely. Pomegranate arils are a good nut-free substitution. - Pink peppercorns add a fruity floral flavour and mild heat to this dish. You can omit them entirely if that not appeal to you.
- Rustic whole-grain bread is a vague term, I know. The bread that I use is from a local Danish bakery, and is advertised as whole-grain, high-protein loaf.
Substitute with a good quality sourdough loaf or use brioche if you want a sweeter toast.
Ingredient quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
TIP: Short on time? You can make this recipes in minutes by using canned mandarin oranges instead of cutting up a fresh orange! You may need to reduce the amount of honey though, as mandarin oranges are usually canned in syrup.
⏲️ Make Ahead
You can mix the ingredients for the creamy ricotta spread ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for up to two days.
Once you assemble the toasts, I recommend eating them immediately. They will eventually get soggy if they sit around for too long, which is not a pleasant eating experience.
🍞 How to Make It
Putting this ricotta toast recipe together is very easy.
Toast your slices of bread, mix the ingredients for the sweet ricotta cream layer, and then top it with the oranges segments, chopped nuts and crushed peppercorns.
If you've never segmented citrus before, that just means that you need to separate the segments and remove the bitter pith and membranes from around them. This is also referred to as making supremes.
Once you learn how to supreme citrus, it becomes second nature and won't take you very long to do.
This recipe works well for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and pairs well with a hot cup of tea.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know if you put your own spin on it!
🖨 Printable Recipe
Ricotta Toast with Citrus and Honey
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
Sweet Ricotta Cream
- ⅔ cup whole milk Ricotta cheese, full fat
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
For Assembly
- 4 slices rustic whole-grain bread, toasted
- 2 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 teaspoon honey, to drizzle (optional)
- 2 tablespoon pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns, crushed (optional)
Instructions
To Make the Sweet Ricotta Cream
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, honey, ground nutmeg (if using) and the vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness, if needed.
To Assemble the Ricotta Toasts
- Spread a spoonful of the sweet ricotta cream mixture on each slice of toast.
- Arrange orange segments over the cream layer and drizzle with extra honey, if desired.
- Sprinkle on the chopped pistachios and crushed pink peppercorns, if using.
- Serve immediately. Any leftover ricotta mixture can be store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Ricotta cheese, creamy full fat 100% whole milk ricotta cheese.
Substitute with a lower fat version, if desired. - Honey adds much needed sweetness, and any type of honey should work here.
Substitute with brown sugar for a different taste and texture. - Nutmeg adds warm flavour but can be omitted.
- Pure Vanilla Extract rounds out the creamy flavour of the ricotta cheese and adds a touch of sweetness.
Substitute with artificial vanilla extract, but know that the flavour will be different. - Cara Cara oranges are naturally very sweet, and suit this recipe better than navel oranges.
Substitute with clementine or mandarin segments. - Pistachios add crunch, colour and protein.
Substitute with pecans or omit them entirely. Pomegranate arils are a good nut-free substitution. - Pink peppercorns add a fruity floral flavour and mild heat to this dish. You can omit them entirely if that flavour does not appeal to you.
- Rustic whole-grain bread is a vague term, I know. The bread that I use is from a local Danish bakery, and is advertised as whole-grain, high-protein loaf.
Substitute with a good quality sourdough loaf or use brioche if you want a sweeter toast.
Please read the blog post for detailed tips and explanations.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: this nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed.
Debi
Wow...I love this recipe for Ricotta Toast! Cara cara oranges are my favorite, and the flavors really meld together well. A great way to wake up in the morning!
Shareba
Thanks so much, Debi!