Easy Homemade Ricotta Toasts with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Elevate your football and tailgating celebrations with these irresistible ricotta toasts. Featuring thick, creamy homemade ricotta cheese generously spread on crispy French bread slices, then topped with vibrant fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, this appetizer is a true crowd-pleaser.

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the aroma of delicious food in the air – it can only mean one thing: Sunday night football is back! And in our house, when the NFL season kicks off, the energy levels go through the roof. My husband, affectionately known as “Squirrel,” transforms into a dedicated football fanatic, and our home becomes the ultimate game-day haven. It feels like the NFL keeps adding more scheduled days each year, from Thursday nights to Saturday showdowns and, of course, the sacred Sunday spectacles.

When I say the world stops spinning, I truly mean it. Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, nothing else holds greater importance than the action unfolding on that gigantic television screen – the centerpiece of Squirrel’s football viewing pleasure. Not me, not our loyal dog, nor even our aloof cat can command his attention during those crucial moments. The game, and only the game, reigns supreme.

Well, I must confess, I might be exaggerating slightly. There is one other element that rivals the game itself in importance: the food. Squirrel begins meticulously planning his football menu a full week before each game. This isn’t just a casual thought; it’s a rigorous process involving strenuous research into appetizer possibilities, careful weighing of options, and the creation of an extensive grocery list. This sacred document is then ceremoniously handed to me, accompanied by an expectant look of pride and excitement, signaling the start of my game-day culinary duties.

And let me tell you, one appetizer simply will not suffice. Oh no, folks, the game-day experience demands an entire table laden with appetizers. A grand variety. A sumptuous buffet. A full-blown smorgasbord that could feed a small army – or at least a very enthusiastic football fan and his equally enthusiastic friends.

This week, the fantastic #SundaySupper crew is throwing an epic home turf tailgating party, generously sponsored by our friends at Gallo Family Vineyards. Gallo is providing those adorable, wee little jewel-colored mini bottles of wine, and we’re tasked with bringing the delicious food. These mini bottles are just too cute; they almost make you hesitate before popping a few caps… almost.

Our Game Day Rituals: A Glimpse into a Football Household

Here’s a sneak peek into how football season truly operates in our house, a well-oiled machine of fandom and delicious food:

• Early Morning Prep: While Squirrel enjoys a well-deserved lie-in (apparently, watching football and devouring all the food requires extra stamina and energy – psht!), I wake up early to begin the extensive appetizer-making process.
• Transforming the Space: I’m also responsible for clearing off the “buffet” table, which is actually our trusty coffee table, in the dedicated football-viewing area of the basement. Then, I plug in our beloved football tree – yes, we have a magnificent 7-foot purple tree adorned with hundreds of twinkling purple lights, proudly showing off our team spirit!
• The Appetizer Trek: I then embark on several trips down the stairs, carefully carrying trays of food to prepare the ultimate game-day smorgasbord, ensuring every dish is perfectly placed for easy access.
• Command Center: Once the food is ready, Squirrel takes his rightful place, commanding the remote control with precision while simultaneously fixing himself a generously piled plate of appetizers.
• The Silence Protocol: At this point, I typically head back upstairs. Why? Because there is an unwavering, absolute “no talking” rule during the game. You see, I am simply not equipped for such prolonged silence and, therefore, am no good at adhering to this strict rule. To maintain peace and harmony, I must gracefully remove myself from the situation entirely.

The “no talking” rule is absolutely, unequivocally real. I truly wish I were kidding, but, sadly, I’m not. The intensity of game day means I could be metaphorically drowning in the bathtub, and my rescue mission would genuinely have to wait until the next commercial break. That’s the level of dedication we’re talking about here.

See where I rank in the grand scheme of game-day priorities?

Football.

Food.

Me.

Yes, I am squarely at the bottom of the list, folks. It’s a reality I’ve come to accept with a good-natured sigh and a knowing smile.

Some women are “fishing wives,” patiently waiting for their partners to return with the day’s catch. Others are “hunting wives,” supporting their adventurous spouses. As for me, I am unequivocally a “football wife” – a title I wear with a certain degree of pride and a healthy dose of humor. It means mastering the art of the game-day spread, understanding the unspoken rules of the remote control, and knowing exactly when to make a strategic retreat. It’s a unique role, filled with its own challenges and rewards.

The Accidental Crowd-Pleaser: Ricotta Toasts

Today, I’m sharing with you one of Squirrel’s absolute favorite appetizers. And it’s not just him; my dad is also famously known to scarf down an entire tray of these. Honestly, when I initially set out to create this particular recipe, I had the ladies in mind. I envisioned elegant, dainty little pieces of perfectly toasted French bread, adorned with a delicate smear of homemade ricotta and a vibrant mound of fresh, juicy tomatoes. It felt like total “lady food” – sophisticated, light, and utterly charming.

But what happened was utterly unexpected. As soon as the first tray emerged from the kitchen, all the men, seemingly drawn by an invisible culinary force, flocked to the table. They began hoarding these delightful little toasts, consuming them with an enthusiasm that defied their dainty appearance. And so, these once-thought “lady toasts” have officially been rebranded as “co-foodie toasts,” beloved by all genders!

I genuinely can’t blame the fellas for gravitating towards these seemingly simple yet incredibly addictive toasts. The secret, my friends, lies in one key ingredient: homemade ricotta. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting freshly made ricotta, then you already know the magic I’m talking about. If you, however, are a homemade ricotta virgin, then I implore you – no, I *urge* you – to make it immediately and selfishly devour the entire bowl by yourself. It’s a life-changing experience, trust me.

The Unparalleled Joy of Homemade Ricotta

Homemade ricotta cheese is a revelation, a culinary masterpiece that bears little resemblance to anything you might find in a grocery store. It’s not just better; it’s a completely different league. Imagine a texture that is impossibly smooth, delightfully fluffy, exquisitely silky, and absolutely, unequivocally the creamiest ricotta you will ever encounter. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, transforming simple dairy ingredients into something extraordinary right in your own kitchen.

The fanciest piece of equipment you’ll need for this incredibly rewarding process is a simple thermometer that can attach to the side of your pot – they are inexpensive, usually around $10, and a worthwhile investment for any home cook. The process itself is wonderfully straightforward: gently heat a mixture of whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of kosher salt until it reaches a precise 190 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This precise temperature is key to coaxing out the delicate curds.

Once the mixture hits that magical temperature, take it off the heat and gently, almost reverently, stir in three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This acidity is what causes the milk to curdle and separate, forming the beautiful ricotta. Let the pot sit undisturbed for just 5 minutes, allowing the curds to form and firm up. It’s a moment of culinary alchemy.

While the mixture works its cheesy magic, prepare your straining station. Line a mesh strainer with a few layers of high-quality cheesecloth or a clean, very thin tea towel. Place this prepared strainer over a large, deep bowl. Carefully pour the milk mixture into the mesh strainer, and then simply wait. Allow the curds to strain for about an hour. If you prefer a firmer ricotta, let it strain for up to two hours. The liquid that drains away is the whey, which you can discard (or keep for other culinary uses if you’re adventurous!).

And just like that, you’ve done it. You just made cheese. Fresh, pure, delicious ricotta. Store this glorious creation in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. The taste and texture will absolutely astound you.

Customizing Your Ricotta Toasts: Endless Topping Possibilities

While my family consistently requests the vibrant burst of fresh tomatoes as their preferred topping, the beauty of these ricotta toasts lies in their incredible versatility. The topping options are truly endless, limited only by your imagination! Consider caramelizing some sweet onions and scattering them with fresh thyme for an earthy depth. Or perhaps delicate slices of cucumber paired with fragrant dill for a refreshing bite. For a sweet and savory twist, a spoonful of your favorite fruit chutney would be divine. Don’t be afraid to let your culinary creativity run wild and experiment with seasonal ingredients.

Looking to pair these delightful toasts with a perfect wine? Find a Gallo Family Vineyards retailer near you with their convenient store locator. You can also click here to receive a fantastic $1 off digital coupon for your next purchase. Stay updated on all their latest offerings and events by following Gallo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For even more tailgating and BBQ pairing inspiration, be sure to click here.

Discover More Tailgating Delights with #SundaySupper!

Check out these other fantastic #SundaySupper tailgating recipes, perfect for your next game day gathering:

• Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Sliders by The Redhead Baker
• Basil and Sundried Tomato Hummus by Ruffles & Truffles
• Braided Stromboli by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Braised Brats with Apples and Onions by Flavor Mosaic
• Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bites by Alida’s Kitchen
• Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cakes by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Chicken and Chorizo Nachos by Family Foodie
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders by Life Tastes Good
• Greek Style Grilled Wings with Yogurt Dill Sauce by Supper for a Steal
• Meatball Subs with Garlic-White Wine Sauce by Foxes Love Lemons
• Mini Caprese Polenta Pizzas by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Mini Chorizo and Cheese Quiches by Magnolia Days
• Pizza Rolls by Momma’s Meals
• Ricotta Toasts with Tomatoes by The Messy Baker
• Slow Cooker Beef Chili by Jelly Toast
• Spicy Grilled Clams in Foil by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Strawberry Mint Red Moscato Sangria by Feed Me, Seymour
• Sun-dried Tomato and Feta Dip with Za’atar Chips by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Ultimate Stadium Nachos by Melanie Makes
• Veggie Pizza with Cauliflower Crust by Take A Bite Out of Boca

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Gallo Family Vineyards. All opinions and game-day rules are my own.