Ricotta Toast Is the Viral Recipe RDs Say Is Great for Brain Health—Here Are 8 Ways To Eat It Up

Earlier this year, social media gifted the world baked feta pasta. Now, it’s ricotta toast that’s taking over. If you follow any foodies on TikTok or Instagram, chances you’ve seen at least one delicious-looking slice of bread slathered with the soft cheese slide across your feed this week (likely in the last hour).

While not all viral foods get the seal of approval from registered dietitians (good luck getting one to endorse eating an entire water bottle filled with frozen honey), this is one trend Melissa Rifkin, RD, says she’s all for. “With its creamy texture and rich taste, ricotta is my favorite type of cheese,” she says. And it isn’t just the taste she’s into. “Like most cheeses, it’s rich in calcium, and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,” Rifkin says. That means it’s good for your bones, brain, and heart. Rifkin says ricotta cheese also has selenium, which plays a role in protecting the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress.

You know what else ricotta has? Protein. Half a cup has more than nine grams. “Since ricotta is such a good source of protein, it makes for an excellent accompaniment to any breakfast,” Rifkin says. She likes to make hers with eggs or shmeared on toast and topped off with berries and toasted almonds. Looking for some ricotta toast recipes to try yourself? The eight rounded up here are well-rounded enough to serve as a nutrient-rich breakfast or midday snack. Keep reading to check them out.

8 ricotta toast recipes for breakfast, lunch, or snacktime:

1. Vanilla bean ricotta toast

This breakfast will satisfy a morning craving for something sweet and it only takes five minutes to make. The vanilla bean is blended with the ricotta cheese so the light floral goodness is worked into every single bite. Chopped walnuts add a bit of crunch as well as added protein and healthy fats.

Get the recipe: vanilla bean ricotta toast

2. Whipped ricotta toast

Remember when “cloud” recipes, like cloud bread and cloud matcha were everywhere? The whipped trend continues with this airy take on ricotta toast. Want to make it really decadent? Drizzle truffle oil on top.

Get the recipe: whipped ricotta toast 

3. Blood orange ricotta roast

Ricotta’s slightly sweet taste makes it pair perfectly with fruit and blood orange gives it a tang that’s especially delicious. Chopped pistachios and cilantro add a layer of savory depth.

Get the recipe: blood orange ricotta toast 

4. Roasted tomato and ricotta cheese toast

If you’re more of a savory toast lover than a sweet one, this recipe is right up your alley. It makes delicious use of cherry tomatoes, which are in season now. Between the ricotta, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, there is maximum flavor packed into every bite.

Get the recipe: roasted tomato and ricotta cheese toast 

5. Whipped ricotta toast with roasted peaches

Warm peaches paired with velvety ricotta on a thick slice of sourdough…this is what breakfast dreams are made of. The secret here is taking the time to roast the fruit, which makes the texture so soft that it practically melts in your mouth. Want to be extra fancy? Top it off with lemon juice, honey, and mint.

Get the recipe: whipped ricotta toast with roasted peaches 

6. Ricotta toast with zucchini and lemon

We’re smack dab in the middle of peak zucchini season, and this recipe gives us a way to use them you probably haven’t tried before. (A person can only eat so many zoodles.) Here, the veg is incorporated right on the toast, along with thyme, olive oil, lemon zest, and, of course, the ricotta. It’s so scrumptious looking that you just know a restaurant would charge $15 for it.

Get the recipe: ricotta roast with zucchini and lemon

7. Caramelized butternut squash ricotta toast

Bookmark this recipe and save it for when the season turns and you’re looking for new ways to use butternut squash. The squash is flavored with balsamic and maple syrup, a combo that’s downright drool-worthy. Between that, the ricotta, and a few sprigs of sage, it will warm you down to your core. Besides being a good breakfast or lunch, it’s a great party app, too.

Get the recipe: caramelized butternut squash ricotta toast 

8. Lemon thyme ricotta toast

Adding nuts on top of your ricotta toast is an easy way to up the protein and healthy fats. It also add a nice, satisfying crunch. The pistachios incorporated in this recipe deliver on all fronts. But what really makes this recipe special is the honey, thyme, and lemon juice mixture that’s blended into the ricotta. It only takes a minute to make, but it takes the taste to a whole new level.

Get the recipe: lemon thyme ricotta toast

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