Is there anything more satisfying than the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory on a slice of beautifully toasted rustic bread? Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries is a recipe that’s as simple as it is stunning—and I am so grateful to be sharing this gem with you! Whether you’re serving it as a dreamy brunch dish, a luxe afternoon snack, or an elegant appetizer for guests, this one delivers all the vibes.
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Why You’ll Love This Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries
Let’s talk about what makes this dish such a showstopper. Imagine thick slices of crusty rustic bread, toasted until golden, topped with airy whipped ricotta cheese. Then comes the magic—strawberries roasted with honey and fresh thyme until their juices bubble and intensify into jammy goodness. It’s creamy, crisp, sweet, tangy, and herby all at once. Anything but boring!!
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
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Quick and easy: 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Versatile: Great for brunch, a light lunch, or an appetizer.
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Impressive yet simple: A crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
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Seasonal and fresh: Ideal during strawberry season, but equally lovely with frozen strawberries in a pinch.
What Does It Taste Like?
In a word: dreamy. The ricotta brings a light, creamy richness that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, roasted strawberries. Honey adds a caramelized sweetness, while lemon brightens every bite. And let’s not forget the thyme—it sneaks in with its subtle earthiness and elevates the whole dish to something truly special.
Benefits of This Recipe
Not only is this delicious, it also brings some nutritional perks:
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Ricotta provides a good dose of calcium and protein.
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Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
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Using whole grain or sourdough rustic bread adds fiber and depth.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
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1 pound strawberries, ends removed
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2 tablespoons honey
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½ lemon, juiced
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4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
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2 slices rustic bread, 1-inch thick
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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Pinch of sea salt
Tools You’ll Need
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Baking dish or sheet pan
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Food processor or blender
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Knife and cutting board
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Small bowl for lemon juice
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Oven
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Spoon for drizzling and spreading
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Ricotta: Swap for whipped cream cheese or mascarpone if you’re in a pinch.
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Strawberries: Try peaches, figs, or even roasted cherries.
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Thyme: Rosemary or mint work wonderfully here too.
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Bread: Sourdough, multigrain, or even brioche if you’re feeling indulgent!
Feeling extra? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a flavor bomb.
How to Make Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries
Step 1: Roast the Strawberries
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium-sized baking dish, add the strawberries, drizzle with honey, squeeze over the lemon juice, and toss in the thyme sprigs. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the bread slices and place them in the oven for about 1 minute—just until they’re golden and crisp on the outside.
Step 3: Whip the Ricotta
In a food processor or blender, whip the ricotta for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s smooth, light, and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta over the toasted bread. Spoon the warm, roasted strawberries (and their juices!) on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, add a few thyme leaves for color, and serve immediately while everything’s warm and gooey.
What to Serve with Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries
This toast is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
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A glass of chilled rosé or sparkling water with lemon
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A side salad with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette
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Soft-boiled eggs for a heartier brunch
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Greek yogurt and granola for a sweet-savory breakfast plate
Tips for Perfect Toast Every Time
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Don’t skip the whipping: Whipped ricotta feels lighter and spreads like a dream.
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Toast timing matters: Watch your bread closely in the oven to avoid over-toasting.
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Use ripe strawberries: They’ll caramelize better and give a more intense flavor.
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Serve immediately: This is best warm, with that contrast of cool ricotta and warm berries.
Storage Instructions
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store components separately:
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Roasted strawberries: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently before serving.
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Whipped ricotta: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before spreading.
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Toasted bread: Best made fresh, but you can prep ahead and warm in the oven.
General Info About This Recipe
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Difficulty: Easy
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Time Required: 30 minutes
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Servings: 2 (can easily be doubled!)
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Seasonality: Spring & summer are ideal, but this works year-round with frozen berries too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess liquid and soggy toast.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely—and it can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based ricotta and maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the whipped ricotta and honey-roasted strawberries in advance. Just toast and assemble right before serving for the freshest texture.
What kind of bread works best?
Rustic sourdough, artisan multigrain, or a thick country loaf all work beautifully. Choose something sturdy with a crisp crust.
Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes! Just make sure it’s whole milk ricotta for the creamiest result. Whipping it in a blender or food processor makes all the difference.
How long do the roasted strawberries last?
They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve chilled depending on your preference.
Can I roast the strawberries without thyme?
Definitely! The thyme adds a subtle herbal touch, but the recipe is still delicious without it. Mint or basil also make great alternatives.
What else can I serve with this toast?
It pairs perfectly with a light arugula salad, poached eggs, or a mimosa brunch spread. It also shines on its own as a fancy snack!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just increase the ingredient quantities accordingly—this is an easy recipe to scale up for entertaining or meal prep.
In Conclusion
This Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with love, can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s easy, elegant, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a lazy weekend morning or serving it as a starter at your next gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
If you make this, I’d LOVE to hear about it! Leave a review below or tag your photos on Pinterest—nothing makes my day more than seeing your creations. You can find more inspiration and pin away on my Pinterest board here!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving the sweet and savory flavor combo here, check out these other irresistible bites:
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Crispy Crostini with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Creamy Brie – Bold, festive, and made for entertaining.
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Honey Whipped Feta Cranberry Crostini – A tangy, creamy twist that’s perfect for holiday tables or wine nights.
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Overnight Blueberry Baked Oatmeal – Cozy, nourishing, and the perfect make-ahead breakfast.
Thanks so much for being here and cooking along with me. Let’s keep sharing delicious moments together—see you in the next recipe!
Print
Rustic Bread with Whipped Ricotta and Honey-Roasted Strawberries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rustic bread with whipped ricotta and honey-roasted strawberries is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory. With golden toasted bread, fluffy whipped ricotta, and jammy roasted strawberries kissed with honey and thyme, it’s an easy yet elegant dish for brunch, snacking, or entertaining. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a seasonal recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients
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1 pound strawberries, ends removed
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2 tablespoons honey
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½ lemon, juiced
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4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
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2 slices rustic bread, 1-inch thick
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place strawberries in a baking dish. Drizzle with honey and lemon juice. Add thyme sprigs.
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Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until strawberries are soft and juicy. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Drizzle bread with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 1 minute or until golden and crisp.
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In a food processor, whip ricotta for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until light and fluffy.
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Spread whipped ricotta onto toasted bread slices.
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Top with honey-roasted strawberries, spooning the juices over each slice.
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Sprinkle with sea salt and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Swap strawberries for roasted figs, peaches, or cherries for seasonal twists.
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Use sourdough or multigrain bread for a heartier base.
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Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or crushed pistachios for an extra flavor boost.
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This is best served immediately, but roasted strawberries and ricotta can be prepped in advance.
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Want to make it vegan? Use plant-based ricotta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Equipment
Baking dish or sheet pan
Food processor or blender
Knife
Cutting board
Oven
Spoon for spreading and serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Roasting, Toasting
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast (half the recipe)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: rustic bread with whipped ricotta, strawberry toast, honey roasted strawberries, summer appetizer, sweet and savory brunch