Classic Cheese Tomato Toast
A comforting, golden-brown breakfast staple featuring juicy tomatoes and melted, bubbly cheese on perfectly toasted bread.
Ingredients
- •4 slices of sourdough or thick-cut country bread
- •2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- •2 cups shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- •Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- •Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven broiler to high and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil and place them on the baking sheet, toasted side down.
- 3
Toast the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven.
- 4
Arrange the tomato slices over the toasted bread, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
- 5
Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the tomatoes.
- 6
Generously cover the tomatoes with the shredded cheese, ensuring the edges of the bread are covered to prevent burning.
- 7
Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown in spots.
- 8
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra flavor, rub a peeled clove of raw garlic directly onto the toasted bread before adding the tomatoes.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, roast the tomato slices in a pan for 2 minutes before placing them on the bread to remove excess moisture.
- You can store leftover shredded cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, but this dish is best enjoyed fresh to keep the bread crisp.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished toast should have a crisp, golden crust, warm and juicy tomatoes, and a savory, molten cheese topping that smells fragrant with herbs and toasted bread.