Heirloom Tomato Toasts with Feta and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
Heirloom Tomato Toasts with Feta and Herbs make a bright and flavorful snack or light meal. With charred bread, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, this easy dish celebrates the best of summer produce.
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices crusty bread
- extra virgin olive oil (as needed)
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and halved)
- 2-3 heirloom tomatoes (ripe, sliced)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4-6 slices feta cheese
- fresh herbs (basil, chives and/or oregano, roughly torn)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill to high heat. Brush the bread on both sides with a thin layer of olive oil. Place on the grill and cook until charred on both sides. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in a toaster.
- Step 2: Remove the bread from the grill and immediately rub the cut side of the garlic all over each slice to infuse them with flavor.
- Step 3: Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over each toast. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Step 4: Top each toast with a slice of feta cheese, sprinkle with the fresh torn herbs, and drizzle generously with olive oil.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp bread and fresh flavors at their best.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping feta with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for a different creamy texture.
- Use a mix of herbs like mint or parsley to change the flavor profile.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top.
- If heirloom tomatoes are unavailable, ripe cherry tomatoes sliced in half work well too.
Storage
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Leftover components can be stored separately: keep grilled bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days and tomatoes refrigerated for 1-2 days. Reheat bread lightly in a toaster before assembling. Avoid storing assembled toasts as the bread will become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes, ripe regular tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used; just slice them and season well to enhance their flavor.
Is it necessary to use a grill?
No, toasting the bread in a toaster or oven works perfectly well if a grill isn’t available. The goal is to get crisp, flavorful bread.
PrintHeirloom Tomato Toasts with Feta and Herbs Recipe
A simple and vibrant recipe featuring grilled heirloom tomato toasts topped with creamy feta and fresh herbs, perfect for a light appetizer or a quick snack bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 toasts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Toast
- 4–6 slices crusty bread
- Extra virgin olive oil (as needed)
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and halved)
Toppings
- 2–3 heirloom tomatoes (ripe, sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4–6 slices feta cheese
- Fresh herbs (basil, chives and/or oregano, roughly torn)
Instructions
- Preheat and grill the bread: Preheat a grill to high heat. Brush both sides of each slice of crusty bread with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil. Place the bread slices on the grill and cook until charred and toasted on both sides, adding a smoky flavor and crisp texture. Alternatively, you can toast the bread using a toaster or oven if a grill is not available.
- Rub with garlic: Remove the toasted bread from the grill and immediately rub the cut side of the peeled and halved garlic clove evenly over each slice. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic aroma and flavor.
- Add tomato and seasoning: Arrange sliced ripe heirloom tomatoes evenly on top of each garlic-rubbed toast. Season liberally with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes.
- Top with feta and herbs: Place a slice of creamy feta cheese on each tomato-topped toast. Then sprinkle generously with fresh torn herbs such as basil, chives, and oregano to add brightness and aromatic complexity. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil to finish.
- Serve immediately: Serve the heirloom tomato toasts right away while the bread is still warm and the toppings fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- If a grill is not available, toasting the bread in a toaster or oven works well as an alternative.
- Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and color variety.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on availability and preference.
- For a different twist, try substituting feta with goat cheese or ricotta.
- These toasts are best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness and texture.
Keywords: heirloom tomato toasts, feta cheese, grilled bread appetizer, fresh herbs, Mediterranean snack
