Craving a fall-inspired bite that's as simple as it is stunning? This Apple Toast with Ricotta and Sage Honey strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Think creamy ricotta, crisp apples, and a drizzle of fragrant honey infused with fresh sage. Each bite tastes like autumn on toast!
Yes, I'm back with another toast creation- and I'm not even sorry. They're just too easy, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. This time, I had apples on the brain (I'm team apple for life), and my garden sage is growing like it owns the place- so it was clearly meant to be.
This apple toast couldn't be simpler to put together. The only real "wait time" is letting the sage gently infuse into the honey, which is totally worth it for that deep, fragrant flavor. One bite and you'll be tasting the sweet, cozy joy that makes fall so magical.
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Key ingredients and substitutions
Easy ingredients- minimal effort. See what goes into this simple apple toast.
- Apples- I'm obsessed with Honeycrisp apples. They are the perfect sweet apple with the crunchiest crunch for eating raw. Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady varieties are also great choices, but feel free to use any apple you want.
- Ricotta- Ricotta works well in both savory and sweet recipes. I love the pairing of the mild, creamy ricotta with the honey. You can swap the ricotta for Greek yogurt, labneh, cream cheese, or mascarpone.
- Honey- Pick a mild honey for infusing the sage, such as clove (readily available in grocery stores) or wildflower. I like to support local farmers, so I use honey available at my local farmer's market.
- Sage- Fresh sage! Dried sage just doesn't offer the same taste. And since we are only infusing the honey for a short time, we need all the flavor we can get! If you don't like sage, fresh thyme, or rosemary also pair beautifully with apples.
- Orange zest- The toast is finished with freshly grated orange (or lemon zest) for a pop of citrus.
- Chopped nuts- I like to top the apple toast with some finely chopped nuts. Pistachios, almonds, or pecans are my go-to.
- Bread- For all my gourmet toast recipes, I always recommend a sturdy bread such as sourdough or country loaf. Rye would also work well with the apples and sage.
Full ingredient list can be found in the recipe card below.
Step-by-step instructions
Making these apple toasts with sage honey is easy peasy. Just set aside some time to infuse your honey. I find that a minimum of one hour works well to get the best flavor.
Step 1. Make the sage honey: In a small pan, warm the sage and honey over medium-low heat until melted. Let the honey steep for at least one hour.
Step 2. Lay out your toasted bread. Spread the ricotta evenly over the bread.
Step 3. Top with sliced apples, overlapping them slightly to cover the ricotta.
Step 4. Drizzle the apples with the sage honey, followed by a sprinkle of orange zest, then top with chopped nuts.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tips
- Drain any excess water from your ricotta- If your ricotta is on the wet side, spoon it into a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and allow it to drain for 10-15 minutes. This will give you a creamy, more spreadable ricotta.
- Pan toasting for the win- Toasters are ok for "toast", but they often result in uneven browning and curled edges. I recommend toasting the bread in a pan with butter or oil for the best taste.
Variations
Toasts are my jam because you can really make them your own. Oh, wait- jam- that's another great idea!
- Fruit swap- Try using peaches, figs, or pears instead of apples.
- Prosciutto- Add another layer of savory with a few thin slices of salty prosciutto.
- Crostini- Turn these into apple and sage honey crostini for the perfect fall appetizer or place them on a grazing board.
Storage and prep
The toast should be prepared just before eating; however, you can make the sage honey ahead of time.
Let the honey cool completely after infusing, then transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or glass container. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place (not the fridge), as honey can crystallize faster when chilled.
The honey will keep for up to 2 weeks, and the sage flavor will deepen over time. For longer storage, strain out the sage leaves after infusing to prevent any bitterness or spoilage.
Serving suggestions
Below are some fresh ideas for serving your apple toast. And don't forget to pair it with some refreshing drinks!
- Slice them into individual servings and offer as part of a brunch board with other cheeses, fruits, and spreads.
- Host an afternoon tea party and serve with lavender or chai tea.
- Serve with a classic brunch cocktail, fresh lemonade, or a homemade bubbly beverage.
- Don't throw away that leftover sage honey! Make a large batch and use it to drizzle over cheese, sweeten hot drinks, glaze roasted veggies, dress salads, or even drizzle over breakfast breads like scones or biscuits.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh sage will offer the best aroma and taste, so I highly recommend fresh.
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based ricotta or yogurt as the base.
More fall recipes
Warm and cozy, perfect for cooler weather.
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Apple Toast with Ricotta and Sage Honey
Equipment
- small pot
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- 3-4 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 slices good-quality bread like sourdough or country loaf
- butter or olive oil for toasting the bread optional
- 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady
- ⅓-½ cup whole milk ricotta use as much as you need to cover your bread
- 1-2 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoon chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
- pinch flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm the honey and sage over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until melted. Remove from the heat and let it steep while you prepare the toast. Steeping it for at least one hour will lend the best flavor.¼ cup honey, 3-4 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
- Toast your bread slices until golden. For the best taste, pan-fry your bread in a shallow pan with butter or olive oil until golden brown on both sides.2 slices good-quality bread, butter or olive oil for toasting the bread
- Spread each slice with ricotta. Top with the apples, a generous drizzle of sage-honey (you can discard the sage leaves, but I leave them in), orange zest, and chopped nuts.1 crisp apple, thinly sliced, ⅓-½ cup whole milk ricotta, 1-2 teaspoon orange zest, 2 tablespoon chopped nuts
- Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt if using. Serve immediately.pinch flaky sea salt
Notes
- Don't throw away that leftover sage honey! Make a large batch and use it to drizzle over cheese, sweeten hot drinks, glaze roasted veggies, dress salads, or even drizzle over breakfast breads like scones or biscuits.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
Hernan says
Love how easy this apple toast recipe was to make. In addition to being so tasty.