Elevate your toast game with the delightful combination of Cheese and Tomato Toast. This quick and easy dish takes ordinary whole grain toast and transforms it into a flavorful and satisfying treat by layering it with juicy sliced tomatoes and melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch, this Cheese and Tomato Toast is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into how to create this tasty and wholesome dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of whole grain bread
- 1 medium-sized tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat the Broiler: Adjust your oven rack to the top position and preheat the broiler.
- Toast the Bread: Place the slices of whole grain bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: While the bread is toasting, thinly slice the tomato into rounds. Set aside.
- Add the Tomatoes: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of each slice.
- Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sliced tomatoes, covering them completely.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the cheese-topped tomatoes. This will help the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly under the broiler.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the Cheese and Tomato Toast with salt and pepper to taste.
- Broil Until Melted and Golden: Return the baking sheet to the broiler and cook the Cheese and Tomato Toast for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the toast are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Cheese and Tomato Toast from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations and Tips:
- Herbaceous Twist: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme to the cheese before broiling for added flavor.
- Upgrade with Avocado: Mash ripe avocado onto the toasted bread before adding the sliced tomatoes and cheese for an extra creamy and nutritious twist.
- Go Mediterranean: Add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to the Cheese and Tomato Toast for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Customize with Protein: Add cooked bacon, ham, or sliced turkey on top of the tomatoes before adding the cheese for a heartier version.