Chocolate Ricotta Toast

Name: Chocolate Ricotta Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 4 slices of rustic bread (about 1/2 inch thick); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1.5 ounces dark chocolate (about 70%)

5 MINPrep Time

5 MINCook Time

4Servings

by Giada De Laurentiis

Beginner

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Chocolate ricotta toast was one of my favorite Italian treats growing up. Crostini topped with fresh ricotta, dark chocolate and dusted with cinnamon sugar — it doesn't get much better than that! It slightly mimics the flavors of cannoli, making it a great dessert, but it makes a nice sweet breakfast, too.

This toast is simple, so using high-quality ingredients really helps. Slices of rustic bread or another crusty bread will hold up better than regular sandwich bread. The dark chocolate is important here, too. The bitterness of 70% chocolate is needed to offset the sweetness of the ricotta, sugar, and vanilla. Once you have the right ingredients, this toast is so easy!

Chocolate Ricotta Toast

Servings

4

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 slices of rustic bread (about 1/2 inch thick)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1.5 ounces dark chocolate (about 70%)

Instructions

As seen on: Giada in Italy, Episode 8. Favorites From Italy.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla using a rubber spatula. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat. Bush the slices of bread on both sides with the olive oil. Grill the bread for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown, toasted and crunchy on the outside. Top each slice with a good amount of the ricotta mixture and spread evenly.
Grate the dark chocolate over the top of the bread covering each slice with a good coating of chocolate. Serve with a fork and knife.