Chef notes
This dish feels festive and impressive but is incredibly quick to prepare. The whipped ricotta is plush and airy, the blistered tomatoes bring warmth and brightness, and the parsley gives a fresh pop of green that makes the whole platter feel Christmas-ready. It's simple, reliable and perfect for holiday entertaining. It also presents beautifully for any season with the fluffy ricotta clouds.
Technique tips: For a cloud-like texture, whip the ricotta, mascarpone and cream all at once. The mascarpone stabilizes the mixture, so it pipes beautifully and won't deflate even when topped with warm tomatoes. For the best visual result, use a large round piping tip to create a fluffy, cloud-like mound on each toast.
You can make both the ricotta mixture and the tomatoes up to one day ahead to make the assembly as easy as possible when hosting guests.
Swap options: Ciabatta or country bread works well in place of sourdough. You can also use store-bought crostini and make them smaller with one blistered tomato on top for more of an hors d'oeuvres style. Heirloom cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can also be substituted. For a different herb finish, try basil or chives.
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