If you are searching for a bright, fresh, and effortlessly delicious breakfast or snack idea, this Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends creamy ricotta with sweet peas and vibrant mint, all perched on crispy sourdough bread. The result is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re serving this for a quick morning bite or a light lunch, it’s guaranteed to become a fast favorite that you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with freshness and creaminess. Each element plays a crucial role, from the lush ricotta that provides a silky base to the peas adding a subtle sweetness and the mint lending a refreshing herbal note.
- Ricotta cheese: Use fresh ricotta for that smooth, creamy texture that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Frozen peas: Thaw thoroughly for sweetness and that lovely pop of green color.
- Fresh mint leaves: Chopped finely to release a bright, cooling fragrance.
- Lemon zest: Adds a zingy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Sourdough bread: Toasted until golden to provide the perfect crunch and mild tanginess.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used in blending and for drizzling to enrich the flavors with silky richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance sweetness and brightness perfectly.
How to Make Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Start by combining the creamy ricotta cheese with thawed peas, fresh chopped mint, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a food processor or hand blender to whip these together until smooth and luscious. Be sure to scrape down the sides to get an even blend of all ingredients, creating a silky spread that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Sourdough Bread
While making the ricotta mixture, toast your sourdough slices until they’re perfectly golden and crisp. This crisp base is key—it adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pea and ricotta topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Generously spread the pea and mint ricotta mixture onto each toasted slice. Don’t be shy here—you want each bite to have a creamy, fresh hit of those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle a pinch of fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper over the toasts. For an extra layer of luxury, drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for a zesty finish just before eating.
How to Serve Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few more fresh mint leaves or a light sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the flavor and visual appeal of your Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe. You can also add microgreens for a pretty, fresh touch that adds a subtle earthiness.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad full of seasonal greens or a bowl of fresh fruit to keep things light and refreshing. It’s also wonderful alongside a poached egg if you want to make it more filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the toast into smaller finger-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter for entertaining. You can also spread the mixture in a shallow bowl as a dip, served with toasted sourdough triangles for a more casual snack option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pea and mint ricotta mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick toasts throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to freeze the ricotta mixture, do so in a sealed container for up to one month. Note that the texture might change slightly once thawed, but it will still taste delightful stirred into pasta or spread on crackers.
Reheating
Toast fresh slices of bread when ready to eat, then spread the chilled ricotta mixture on top. Avoid heating the ricotta spread itself, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cool and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will add a fantastic sweetness and crunch. Just blanch them briefly before blending to keep their bright green color and tender texture.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
You could try cream cheese or goat cheese for a different but equally creamy result. Keep in mind this will affect the flavor, with goat cheese adding a tangier twist to the Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe.
How do I keep the toast from becoming soggy?
Toast the bread until it’s golden and crisp right before serving, and spread the ricotta mixture just before eating to maintain that perfect crunch every bite.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Adding a poached or fried egg on top makes it a more substantial and nutritious meal, perfectly complementing the fresh flavors of the pea and mint ricotta.
What’s the best type of bread to use?
Sourdough is ideal thanks to its sturdy texture and slight tang, but a rustic country loaf or even a seeded whole grain bread can work wonderfully too.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to quick meals when I want something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. It’s simple enough to whip up in minutes but tastes like a special treat every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy and delicious fresh ingredients can make your everyday toast shine.
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Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pea & Mint Ricotta Toast is a fresh and vibrant vegetarian appetizer or light meal that’s quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Creamy ricotta cheese blends smoothly with sweet peas and fragrant mint, spread generously over toasted sourdough bread, and finished with zesty lemon and olive oil for an invigorating flavor combination.
Ingredients
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Toast & Garnish
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 small lemon, zested plus extra wedges for serving
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a food processor or using a hand blender, combine the ricotta cheese, thawed peas, chopped mint leaves, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure even blending.
- Toast Bread: Toast the slices of sourdough bread until they turn golden and crisp, providing a sturdy and crunchy base for the ricotta mixture.
- Assemble Toast: Generously spread the pea and mint ricotta mixture onto each slice of toasted sourdough bread, ensuring an even layer on all pieces.
- Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle the top of each toast with fresh lemon zest, an additional pinch of black pepper, and optionally drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the surface to enhance richness and gloss.
- Serve: Serve the toasts immediately while the bread is still crisp, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side for additional zest as desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Use fresh peas if available for a sweeter taste and better texture.
- Customize the herbs by adding basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- To make the toast gluten-free, substitute sourdough bread with gluten-free bread options.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or a light snack.
