If you are looking to brighten up your breakfast or brunch routine, this Shakshouka Toast Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining the rich, spiced tomato sauce of classic shakshouka with crispy, golden bread makes every bite a delightful burst of flavor and texture. It’s hearty, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy meal just for yourself. Once you try this Shakshouka Toast Recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy eggs and toast, with a Middle Eastern twist that brings boldness and warmth to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Shakshouka Toast Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch. Each element contributes delightful layers of flavor, texture, and color that work harmoniously together.
- 2 slices thick-cut bread: Perfect for holding all that delicious shakshouka goodness without getting soggy.
- 2 eggs: The star of the dish, gently baked to creamy perfection on top of the tomato base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables with a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Adds a tender crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Just the right kick to complement the spices and tomato.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy undertone typical of authentic shakshouka.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: The juicy base that ties all the flavors together with freshness and acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the tastes without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a mild heat and depth.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish: A bright herbal finish that makes each serving look as good as it tastes.
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes: A little heat for those who like it spicy and lively.
How to Make Shakshouka Toast Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onions and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds a subtle sweetness that forms the flavor base.
Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers
Next up, toss in the diced bell peppers and let them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften and release their natural sweetness without losing their vibrant color and slight crunch that adds texture to the dish.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices and Garlic
Now stir in the minced garlic along with ground cumin and smoked paprika. Let these spices bloom for about 30 seconds as the aromas really start to come alive, infusing the skillet with warmth and depth.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This slow cooking melds the ingredients into a rich, flavorful base that’s both tangy and comforting.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
While your sauce is simmering, toast the bread slices until they are golden and crisp. The bread acts as the canvas for the saucy tomato mixture and perfectly contrasts the soft eggs baked on top.
Step 6: Assemble the Toasts
Once toasted, spoon a generous amount of the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread. Use the back of your spoon to create a small well in the center of each, ready to cradle the eggs.
Step 7: Add the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each well you made on the tomato-topped bread. This is where the magic happens as the egg yolk will remain beautifully runny while the whites set.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled toasts onto a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the egg whites are firm but the yolks are still soft and luscious.
Step 9: Final Touches
Remove the baking sheet and garnish your shakshouka toasts with fresh cilantro or parsley and a pinch of chili flakes for that extra zing if you like. Serve immediately while hot and inviting.
How to Serve Shakshouka Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a bright, herbaceous note to this dish and make each serving feel fresh and colorful. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a nice surprise of heat that complements the smoky paprika beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a rounded meal, pair your shakshouka toast with a simple cucumber salad or a dollop of creamy yogurt. These sides balance the spiced tomato sauce with cooling, fresh flavors that refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving shakshouka on toasted pita or naan for a fun twist. Or layer with crumbled feta cheese and chopped olives for a Mediterranean flair. You can also add avocado slices on the side to introduce a creamy texture and mild flavor that goes perfectly with the spicy, savory shakshouka.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread and eggs separate if possible to maintain texture, then reassemble before reheating for the best experience.
Freezing
The tomato-based sauce freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance, but it’s best to avoid freezing the assembled shakshouka toast with eggs because the texture doesn’t hold up after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the tomato sauce gently on the stove before spooning it over toasted bread. If you want to reheat the eggs on top, warm the assembled toast in a low oven until heated through, but expect the eggs to become more cooked and less runny.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Good quality canned crushed tomatoes work perfectly and can even enhance consistency. Just be sure to choose one without added herbs or salt for the best control over the flavors.
What type of bread works best for shakshouka toast?
Thick-cut, sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf is ideal because it holds up well under the saucy shakshouka mixture without becoming soggy.
Can I make shakshouka toast vegan?
Yes, skip the eggs and top the tomato sauce with sautéed tofu or tempeh for protein, or just enjoy the savory tomato mixture on toast as is. It’s delicious and nourishing!
How spicy is this recipe?
This Shakshouka Toast Recipe is mildly spiced, with cumin and smoked paprika adding warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always add chili flakes to kick it up according to your taste.
Is shakshouka traditionally served on toast?
Not traditionally; classic shakshouka is typically served straight from the pan with bread on the side. This toast version is a modern, portable take that has become a favorite for breakfast and brunch.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this Shakshouka Toast Recipe soon because it truly brings such warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and just downright comforting. Give it a try, and let this delicious twist on a classic dish brighten your kitchen and your day.
Print
Shakshouka Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African/Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shakshouka Toast is a vibrant and delicious breakfast or brunch dish featuring toasted thick-cut bread topped with a rich, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce, baked with eggs until perfectly set. This dish combines the flavors of North African shakshouka with a crispy toast base, garnished with fresh herbs and a touch of chili for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 slices thick-cut bread
Shakshouka Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Eggs and Garnish
- 2 eggs
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their aromas, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Toast the Bread: While the sauce simmers, toast the thick-cut bread slices in a toaster or in a skillet until golden and crisp for the perfect sturdy base.
- Assemble on Toast: Spoon the thickened tomato and pepper mixture evenly over each toast slice. Use the back of the spoon to create a small well in the center of each sauce-topped toast.
- Add Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each well on the toast to keep it contained within the sauce.
- Bake with Eggs: Place the prepared toasts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce.
- Use thick-cut rustic or sourdough bread for best texture and flavor.
- Keep an eye on egg baking time to achieve your preferred yolk doneness.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the flavors, but you can also use basil as a garnish.
