Description
Zucchini Ricotta Toast is a fresh and light snack featuring creamy plant-based ricotta, tender zucchini ribbons, and crispy smoked turkey bacon atop toasted rustic bread. This easy-to-make appetizer balances textures and flavors beautifully, offering a delightful combination of creamy, crisp, smoky, and fresh. Perfect for a quick bite or impressing guests, it is versatile, nutritious, and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Plant-based ricotta: 1/2 cup per toast
- Fresh zucchini: 1 medium, thinly sliced or shaved into ribbons
- Smoked turkey bacon: 4 slices
- Rustic artisan or whole grain bread: 2 slices
- Fresh basil: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Fresh chives: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural): 1 tablespoon, plus extra for drizzling
- Sea salt: to taste
- Cracked black pepper: to taste
Optional Variations & Garnishes
- Red chili flakes (natural): a pinch, for a spicy kick
- Honey (natural): 1 teaspoon, for a sweet touch
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts: 1 tablespoon, for nutty crunch
- Smoked tempeh or seasoned mushrooms: as a substitute for smoked turkey bacon
- Fresh dill or thyme: as an alternative to basil
- Zest of fresh lemon: for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into thin ribbons or rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt and let it sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Toast the bread: Choose your favorite artisan bread and toast slices until golden and crunchy but still sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
- Assemble the toast: Spread a generous layer of plant-based ricotta on each toast. Layer the zucchini ribbons on top, followed by pieces of crispy smoked turkey bacon. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (natural), then season with cracked black pepper and sprinkle fresh basil and chives over everything.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the toast fresh to experience the perfect contrast of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Optionally garnish with red chili flakes, a drizzle of honey (natural), toasted nuts, or lemon zest to enhance the experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm, bright-green zucchinis for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overload the toast with toppings to avoid sogginess.
- Toast bread well to provide a sturdy crunch that holds spreads and toppings.
- Use fresh herbs to add brightness and a final pop of flavor.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon and zucchini ahead of time to assemble quickly.
- Store leftover zucchini and ricotta toppings separately from toast to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze toasted bread separately, wrapped tightly, for up to one month and re-toast before assembling.
- Reheat toast gently in a toaster oven or regular oven; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Zucchini, Ricotta (plant-based), Toast, Smoked turkey bacon, Plant-based snack, Light appetizer, Gluten free snack