Spring Fling: Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast

Balsamic drizzled strawberries top creamy ricotta laced with lemon zest on a toasted slice of country bread.

Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast

It's breakfast time and I want something different than the regular toast or avocado toast, or my daily yogurt parfait.  Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast sounds all fancy but really is just simple as can be.  A toasted slice of country bread is topped with ricotta cheese that's been mixed with lemon zest.  Then we top it with sliced strawberries that have been coasted with a balsamic glaze.

Ricotta cheese is a healthier cheese option that is lower in fat and calories, and high in protein.  Strawberries, a superfruit, are a great source of Vitamin C and a perfect way to sneak more fruit in to your diet.  All combined together you have a wonderful breakfast, brunch, or snack "toast"!  Simple, easy, and tasty.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• fresh strawberries
• French or Italian bread
• ricotta cheese
• fresh lemon
• olive oil
• balsamic glaze (like this one)

Substitutions and Variations

• You can play around with the bread by using your favorite such as sourdough, rustic white, wheat, 7 grain, and ciabatta.

• Use different flavors with the ricotta such as honey.

• Use a mixture of ricotta and mascarpone whipped together.

• Ricotta will go with any berry (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry) or stone fruit (think peaches, nectarines and plums).

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Toast your bread any way you like (oven, toaster, or skillet)  I like placing olive oil on my bread and toasting it in a skillet for a golden crust, plus the olive oil goes well with the dish.

• Balsamic glaze is balsamic vinegar which has been reduced down in to a thick syrup and is sweet and delicious.  You can find it at Trader Joes' or your local grocery store.  I like this one.

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Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast

serves 4


4 slices of French or Italian Bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 oz. ricotta cheese
zest of 1 lemon

1 cup hulled and diced strawberries

Balsamic glaze

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Brush one side of the sliced bread with olive oil.  Toast in the skillet until golden brown.

Mix the ricotta cheese with the zest of 1 lemon.  Spread ricotta on toasted bread.

In a small bowl add diced strawberries and drizzle some balsamic glaze.  Stir until well coated.

Spoon strawberries over the ricotta and serve.