I love simple food that feels like a hug. Simple Egg and Ricotta Toast is a quick treat I make when I want comfort and a bright start to the day. I will show you how to make it clean and easy, with a few ways to change it up.
My dad James taught me to keep things small and honest in the kitchen. I still remember him smiling when I brought him this toast on a slow Sunday morning.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
The Tools That Help
I like to keep the tools simple for this recipe. You need a toaster or a pan to toast the bread. A small bowl helps to mix the ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper. A nonstick pan works well for fried eggs and a small pot or pan with water and a lid works for poached eggs. I often reach for a silicone spatula to move the eggs and a butter knife to spread the ricotta.
If you like to explore baked egg ideas, I once tried a warm dish that pairs ricotta and tomato in the oven and it felt like a sister dish to this toast. I wrote about how baked eggs can change the morning mood in a post on baked feta eggs with tomatoes and spinach and I often link ideas between the two when I plan a week of easy breakfasts.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper.
- In a pan, cook the eggs to your liking (fried or poached).
- Spread the ricotta mixture on the toasted bread.
- Top with the cooked eggs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
I like this toast because it adapts to many diets. To make it lighter, use whole grain bread for fiber and texture. Swap one egg for just an egg white if you want less fat but keep good protein. You can thin the ricotta with a little lemon juice or yogurt to give a fresh tang while using less cheese. If you need lower sodium, skip the added salt and boost the dish with bright herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.
If you want a plant-forward version, add thin slices of ripe tomato or a few leaves of baby spinach between the ricotta and the egg. Those greens add moisture and a mild flavor that lifts the toast. I sometimes stir in a tiny bit of lemon zest into the ricotta for a light note that makes each bite taste brighter.
Perfect Pairings
This toast goes well with a small salad or a bowl of fruit. I like simple pairings that do not steal the show from the egg and ricotta. A cup of black tea or a mild coffee works fine in the morning. For a weekend treat, I add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of steamed asparagus.
If you want to explore another gentle cheese bake to serve on a lazy morning, I recommend trying a warm casserole that uses cottage cheese and veggies. It makes for a heartier side and I describe the method in my piece on cottage cheese and veggie bake. For a toast-focused talk, I also compare different toast styles if you like to change the bread game, and that guide on the difference between French toast and Texas toast can help you pick the best slice.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
I see the same small mistakes again and again. One is soggy toast. If you spread the ricotta while the bread is not fully cool, the toast can go limp. I let toast sit for a moment after toasting, but not long enough to cool down. Another is overcooked eggs. If you like a runny yolk, watch the heat closely. Cook the egg low and slow and stop as soon as the white is set.
Too much salt can hide the gentle ricotta flavor. Taste the ricotta after you mix it and add salt slowly. Also be gentle with oil. A tiny drizzle can add richness, but a heavy hand can weigh the dish down. Finally, do not rush assembly. Assemble right before you eat so the toast stays crisp and the egg keeps its texture.
Storing Your Creation
Leftovers need a short plan. If you make extra ricotta mix, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep cooked eggs separate from toast if you know you will reheat later. I store eggs in a shallow container with a paper towel to catch moisture and reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
If you must store a fully built toast, wrap it loosely and eat within a few hours. The bread will soften, but it still tastes fine warm. For longer storage, remove the egg and ricotta and store each part in its own container. Re-toast the bread and reheat the egg gently to keep the best texture.
A Final Warm Word
I keep coming back to this recipe because it is fast, kind, and true. I make it for quick week mornings and for slow weekend breakfasts. The ricotta gives a soft creaminess and the egg adds a warm bite. Try it once and then play: swap herbs, change the bread, or add a tiny squeeze of lemon. You will find small ways to make it your own.
Answering Your Questions
How long does Simple Egg and Ricotta Toast take to make?
This toast takes about ten minutes from start to finish if you toast the bread and cook the egg at the same time. Mix the ricotta while the bread toasts and the eggs cook and you can plate in moments.
Can I make Simple Egg and Ricotta Toast ahead of time?
You can make parts ahead. Mix the ricotta and store it for up to three days. Cook the eggs ahead but keep them separate, then rewarm gently. I do not recommend fully assembling too far ahead because the toast will lose its crisp.
Can I use other cheeses in Simple Egg and Ricotta Toast?
Yes, you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese, goat cheese, or a soft spreadable cheese. Each will change the texture and taste. Cottage cheese gives more curds and a saltier note, while goat cheese adds tang. Adjust salt to match the cheese you choose.
Print
Simple Egg and Ricotta Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and comforting breakfast toast with ricotta and eggs, perfect for a bright start to your day.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Mix the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Cook the eggs to your liking (fried or poached) in a nonstick pan.
- Spread the ricotta mixture on the toasted bread.
- Top with the cooked eggs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use whole grain bread for added fiber. You can customize the toast by adding tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting and Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: breakfast, toast, egg, ricotta, quick recipes