Pin It The first time I made this ricotta spread was on a rainy Tuesday morning when I needed something bright to wake up my kitchen. The combination of sweet peas and fresh mint felt like spring on a spoon, and I ended up eating it straight from the food processor with a piece of toast in hand. My roommate walked in, caught me mid-bite, and immediately demanded the recipe.
I once served this at a last-minute gathering when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and the vibrant green spread sparked more conversation than anything else I made that day. Someone actually asked if there was food coloring involved, which I took as the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Full-fat creates the creamiest texture, but part-skim works if that is what you have on hand
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Frozen peas are actually sweeter and more consistent than fresh, making them perfect for blending
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped: Do not skip this—the mint is what makes the spread sing rather than just taste like peas
- 1 small lemon, zested: The zest cuts through the rich ricotta and makes every bite feel bright and alive
- 4 slices sourdough bread: A hearty bread with good chew holds up better against the creamy topping
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: This helps the ingredients blend into a silky smooth mixture
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference here
Instructions
- Blend the ricotta mixture:
- Combine the ricotta, peas, mint, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and getting every last chunk of pea incorporated.
- Toast the bread:
- Get your sourdough slices golden and crunchy in the toaster or under the broiler.
- Spread generously:
- Pile the pea mixture onto each toast slice thick enough that you can see it from the side.
- Finish with lemon:
- Grate fresh lemon zest over each piece, add a crack of black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil if you are feeling fancy.
Pin It This toast has become my go-to when I want to feel like I have my life together but actually put in zero effort. The bright green color against golden crust never fails to make me smile, even on the most hectic mornings.
Make It Your Own
I have discovered that a pinch of red pepper flakes underneath the lemon zest adds this subtle warmth that keeps people coming back for just one more bite. A crumbling of feta on top works beautifully too if you want extra tang and saltiness.
The Bread Choice Matters
Sourdough gives you that perfect crunch-to-creamy ratio, but a good multigrain or even a hearty rye can work surprisingly well. Just avoid soft sandwich bread that will turn soggy the moment the ricotta hits it.
Serving Suggestions
This makes an unexpected appetizer when cut into smaller fingers for brunch gatherings. I have also served it alongside a simple salad for a light dinner that feels elegant without any actual cooking involved.
- Keep extra lemon wedges on hand for guests who love extra acid
- The spread doubles as a fantastic dip for raw vegetables or crackers
- If making ahead, wait to toast the bread until just before serving
Pin It Something about the combination of cool mint and warm toast just works, and I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to without even thinking.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the ricotta spread ahead of time?
Yes, the pea & mint ricotta mixture can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply spread it onto freshly toasted bread when ready to serve.
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough is ideal for its robust structure and tangy flavor, but you can substitute with whole grain, multigrain, or gluten-free bread depending on your preference and dietary needs.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Consider topping with red chili flakes for heat, crumbled feta for extra richness, a drizzle of balsamic reduction for depth, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish. Just verify that your ricotta and bread are vegetarian-certified if that's important to you.
- → Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh peas work wonderfully and may require brief blanching for 2-3 minutes if they're tough. Frozen peas are convenient and equally delicious when thawed.
- → What if I don't have fresh mint available?
Fresh basil, dill, or parsley are excellent alternatives. You can also use a small amount of dried mint, though fresh herbs provide the brightest, most vibrant flavor.