Embracing the winter citrus season with the simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with lemon thyme honey. Olive oil toasted sourdough bread topped with creamy whipped ricotta cheese, caramelized oranges, salty prosciutto, and sweet honey infused with lemon and thyme. This is the simplest of meals, but…it is SO GOOD. Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, a quick (simple) lunch, or as an easy appetizer for your next dinner party. You can’t go wrong.

overhead photo of Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey

I know this saying is often overused, but it’s true, the simplest things tend to be the best. I made this toast last week, only intending to possibly share it on Instagram stories. But I ended up loving it so much that I decided to share the details here on the blog as well.

I can often get hung up on recipes not being worthy of a blog post simply because they are “too simple”. But after creating an entire cookbook on simple (delicious) recipes, I’ve slowly learned that these under thirty-minute, under 10 ingredient, recipes are the ones we actually need the most (they’re also the hardest recipes to create).

I’m not sure I’ve shared this bit of information with you all, but writing HBH Super Simple was one of the most challenging things I’ve done. The thing about super simple recipes? They can be tricky to make both simple and delicious. It can take a lot of tweaking to make a simple recipe that’s actually GOOD.

This toast, however, needed no tweaking. It’s mouthwateringly delicious, insanely simple, and what I call the perfect any time of day meal. It’s even a little sweet and a little savory…my favorite.

raw blood oranges before roasting with honey being drizzled over oranges

Here are the details.

Start with the citrus. Really you can use any fruit you’d like. But it’s the dead of winter, and as I said on Friday, I’m really embracing citrus season this year. It doesn’t last that long, so use up those oranges while you can. And honestly? If you’ve never roasted oranges before, I’m excited to be the one to tell you to do so…delicious.

The key? Broiling the oranges with honey. This caramelizes the oranges, warms them, but doesn’t allow for all of the juices to run out of the fruit.

While the oranges are roasting, make the lemon thyme honey. Simply simmer together lemon, thyme, and honey until the honey is warm and infused with fresh lemony thyme flavor. Very simple, but again, so good. You will not need all of the honey, but the leftovers are delicious when drizzled on your morning oatmeal or toast. Oh, or serve the honey as a sweet finish to your next salad.

At this point, it’s already time to assemble. Toast each slice of bread, rub with olive oil, then layer on the whipped ricotta cheese, roasted oranges, salty prosciutto, and sweet honey. Complete with a bit of flaky sea salt and black pepper.

One word, yum.

blood oranges after roasting on baking sheet

Ok. so let’s talk about the bread.

Since this recipe is so simple, it’s important to use really good bread. I’m recommending a loaf of sourdough for two reasons.

Reason one, sourdough flavor is tangy, sour, and so delicious. Especially when paired with this combination of creamy ricotta, sweet oranges, and salty prosciutto. I love the “sourness’ it contributes.

Reason two, all the major health benefits of eating sourdough bread. Hey, it’s Healthy January, so I figured we’d better use a bread that has some health benefits. If you’re curious, you can read about all the benefits of sourdough bread here.

overhead close up photo of Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey

This toast makes for a great brunch item, light lunch, or even super fast dinner. Maybe add a simple arugula salad to round things out.

Easy, but delicious. And sometimes that’s really all you need…and all that you have time for!

overhead photo of Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey with 1 piece of toast cut in half

If you make this whipped ricotta toast, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

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4.26 from 79 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey

Olive oil toasted sourdough bread topped with creamy whipped ricotta cheese, caramelized oranges, salty prosciutto, and sweet lemon and thyme-infused honey.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 293 kcal

Ingredients

  • olive oil for brushing
  • 2 oranges, sliced
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1-2 teaspoons Meyer or regular lemon zest + 2 tbs juice to your taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 4-6 slices thicker cut sourdough bread toasted
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese whipped in the food processor, if desired
  • 2 ounces prosciutto, torn (optional)
  • flaky sea salt and black pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the broiler to high. Rub a baking sheet with oil. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, drizzle with 1 tablespoon honey. Place under the broiler for 5-8 minutes, watching closely, until the oranges are beginning to char.

    2. Meanwhile, heat together the 1/4 honey, lemon zest + juice, and thyme in a small saucepan over low heat. 

    3. Rub the warm toasted bread with olive oil. Spread with ricotta, top with roasted oranges, prosciutto, and drizzle with the honey mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Notes

Storing: the honey will keep for up to 1 month at room temperature. 

horizontal overhead photo of Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey