Save to Pinterest The first time I made this was on a rainy Saturday morning when I had nothing but a tub of ricotta and a bag of frozen peas in the freezer. I blended them together on a whim, and the electric green paste that emerged looked suspicious but tasted like pure spring. Now it is my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but takes barely any effort at all.
I served these toasts to my sister last summer when she dropped by unexpectedly. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, then proceeded to eat three slices while standing at the counter. That is when I knew this was not just a thrown together breakfast but something actually special.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture but part skim works too
- Frozen peas: Thaw them first so they blend smoothly into the cheese
- Fresh mint: Do not skip this because it is what makes the spread taste bright and green
- Lemon zest: Use a microplane if you have one for the finest zest possible
- Sourdough bread: A sturdy slice that can hold the thick spread without getting soggy
- Extra virgin olive oil: A finishing drizzle adds richness and ties everything together
- Salt and pepper: Taste the spread before toasting the bread because you cannot adjust it later
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Blend the spread:
- Combine the ricotta, thawed peas, chopped mint, olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and getting every last bit of pure green goodness.
- Toast the bread:
- Get your sourdough slices golden and crisp so they provide a sturdy base for all that creamy spread.
- Assemble:
- Pile the pea mixture generously onto each toast, then finish with lemon zest, extra pepper, and a final drizzle of olive oil.
Save to Pinterest My toddler actually asked for seconds, which never happens with anything green. I watched him lick the spread off the toast first, then eat the bread underneath. Small victories.
Make It Your Own
I have topped these with crumbled feta for extra saltiness and chili flakes for a little heat. You could also add sliced radishes or microgreens for more texture and color.
Bread Options
Sourdough is my favorite but any sturdy bread will work. Just avoid anything too soft or the spread will overpower it completely.
Serving Suggestions
These work for breakfast, lunch, or even as a light appetizer when cut into smaller pieces. I like to serve them with a simple salad or fruit on the side.
- Keep lemon wedges on the table for people who want extra brightness
- A sprinkle of flaky salt on top adds a nice crunch
- These toast best when the ricotta spread is not cold from the fridge
Save to Pinterest Something this simple should not taste this good, but here we are. Enjoy every bright, minty bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the ricotta spread ahead of time?
Yes, the pea and mint ricotta mixture can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply assemble and toast your bread when ready to serve.
- → What bread alternatives work well with this spread?
While sourdough is traditional, you can use gluten-free bread, whole grain toast, or focaccia. Any sturdy bread that holds up to toasting will work beautifully with this creamy topping.
- → How do I enhance the flavor profile?
For extra depth, sprinkle chili flakes for heat, crumbled feta cheese for tanginess, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or dill also complement the pea and mint flavors nicely.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
This dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the sourdough with gluten-free bread. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens, particularly dairy and gluten.
- → How many people does this serve?
This preparation yields 4 servings, with each person receiving one generously topped slice of toast. The ricotta spread is ample, so you can adjust portions based on your appetites.
- → What equipment do I need to prepare this?
A food processor or hand blender makes blending the ricotta mixture effortless, though you can also mash by hand. You'll also need a toaster, zester for the lemon, and basic cutting tools.
