Pesto Toast Recipe

Irresistible Pesto Toast Recipe: A 5-Minute Morning Game-Changer

Pesto toast upgrades an ordinary slice into a culinary delight that bursts with Mediterranean charm.

Green, vibrant spreads can instantly elevate humble bread into something extraordinary.

Rich herbal notes dance across crisp surfaces, creating a sensory experience that delights hungry palates.

Traditional ingredients blend seamlessly to craft this simple yet sophisticated snack.

Our method ensures maximum flavor impact with minimal preparation time.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of textures and aromatic herbs.

Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, this dish will become your new go-to comfort food.

Tips for the Best Pesto Toast

  • Maximize Basil Freshness: Use bright green, fragrant basil leaves at peak ripeness for the most vibrant pesto flavor.
  • Perfect Pesto Consistency: Drizzle olive oil slowly while blending to create a smooth, emulsified sauce without separation.
  • Egg Cooking Technique: Ensure medium-high heat for crispy pesto edges and perfectly runny egg yolks.
  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy, thick-cut artisan bread that can support the pesto eggs without getting soggy.
  • Flavor Boosting Trick: Let the pesto and feta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembling to enhance their natural taste profiles.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pesto Toast

  • Storing Leftovers
  • Refrigerate pesto and leftover toast separately in airtight containers. Pesto stays fresh for 5-7 days when stored in a sealed glass jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Place toast in a separate container to maintain its crispness and prevent sogginess.
  • Reheating Instructions
  • Gently warm toast in a toaster or air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Reheat pesto eggs in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving to maintain the quality of eggs and toast, which can become rubbery and soft.
  • Quick Tip
  • Consume pesto toast within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.

Delicious Pairings with Pesto Toast

  • Boost Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Pair this pesto toast with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herbal basil notes and cut through the richness of eggs and feta.
  • Elevate Brunch with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, rich pesto eggs and provide a peppery contrast to the dish.
  • Match Mediterranean Vibes with Olives: Serve a small side of mixed Mediterranean olives to enhance the herbal and tangy flavors of the pesto, adding depth to the breakfast experience.
  • Refresh with Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a light sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange slices to cleanse the palate and brighten the overall meal, complementing the zesty pesto ingredients.

Fun Twists on Pesto Toast

  • Green Goddess Pesto Toast: Replace basil with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Toast: Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds and add sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto for a rich, tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Cilantro Pesto Toast: Use cilantro instead of basil, add jalapeños to the pesto, and top with crumbled queso fresco for a zesty Mexican-style breakfast.
  • Vegan Nutritional Boost Toast: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts, and spread avocado on toast for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.

Pesto Toast: A Simple, Flavorful Treat

  • Burst of Fresh Flavors: Homemade pesto transforms ordinary toast into a vibrant culinary experience, blending bright basil, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan for an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Protein-Packed Breakfast Delight: Eggs cooked directly on pesto create a unique cooking method that infuses each bite with herbaceous goodness, while delivering a substantial 30g of protein to kickstart your day.
  • Quick Gourmet Breakfast Hack: This recipe turns a simple morning meal into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 10 minutes, proving that elegant breakfast can be both easy and impressive for busy home cooks.

What You Need for the Perfect Pesto Toast

Fresh Herbs and Nuts:
  • Basil: Aromatic herb that forms the base of traditional pesto with bright, sweet flavor.
  • Pine Nuts: Classic pesto ingredient with rich, buttery taste and smooth texture.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the pesto.
  • Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that provides a smooth base for the toast.
Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds sharp, robust flavor to the pesto.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that helps blend and bind pesto ingredients.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance overall flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
  • Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that provides zest and juice for freshness.
  • Chili Pepper Flakes: Adds optional heat and color to the final dish.
Protein and Base:
  • Eggs: Main protein that creates a creamy, rich topping for the toast.
  • Bread Slices: Crisp base for the pesto eggs and additional toppings.

How to Make Delicious Pesto Toast in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Pesto Base

In a food processor, combine ingredients:
  • Fresh basil
  • Pine nuts
  • Salt
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon zest
  • Half of the lemon juice

Blend these ingredients until they start to combine.

Step 2: Create Smooth Pesto

With the processor running, slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture. Continue blending until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Warm Pesto in Pan

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Spread of prepared pesto evenly across the pan’s surface.

Step 4: Cook Eggs on Pesto

Carefully crack eggs directly onto the pesto-covered pan. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 5: Toast Bread Slices

While eggs are cooking, toast bread slices until they reach a golden brown color.

Step 6: Add Creamy Spread

Spread creamy feta cheese generously across the toasted bread slices.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Eggs

Cook eggs sunny-side up for 4-5 minutes until egg whites become completely opaque.

Step 8: Assemble and Garnish

Transfer the pesto-cooked eggs onto the feta-spread toast. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chili pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal.

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Pesto Toast Recipe

Pesto Toast Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Pesto toast brings Mediterranean charm to your breakfast table with crispy, herbal goodness. Rustic bread slathered in fresh basil pesto creates a simple yet elegant morning delight you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) pine nuts
  • ½ cup (50 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Zest and juice from 1 lemon

Toast and Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of bread (sourdough or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) creamy Macedonian Feta or other spreadable cheese

Protein Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Gather fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and lemon in your workspace.
  2. Load the food processor with basil, pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan (50 grams / ), and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Zest half a lemon directly into the processor and squeeze in approximately 15 milliliters (0.5 fluid ounces) of fresh lemon juice.
  4. Pulse the ingredients while slowly drizzling 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) of extra virgin olive oil until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant green sauce.
  5. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and evenly spread of freshly prepared pesto across the pan’s surface.
  6. Carefully crack two large eggs directly onto the pesto, allowing them to cook undisturbed.
  7. Season the eggs with freshly ground black pepper and a light sprinkle of sea salt.
  8. Meanwhile, toast two slices of artisan bread until golden brown and crisp.
  9. Spread a generous layer of creamy feta cheese across each toasted slice.
  10. Cook the eggs for 4-5 minutes until the egg whites become opaque and set while maintaining a runny yolk.
  11. Gently transfer the pesto-cooked eggs onto the feta-spread toast.
  12. Finish by garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red chili pepper flakes for added heat and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Elevate your breakfast game with this vibrant, flavor-packed pesto toast that transforms ordinary ingredients into a gourmet morning delight.
  • Homemade pesto brings intense herbal notes and rich complexity, making each bite a celebration of fresh, aromatic ingredients.
  • Creating pesto in a food processor ensures smooth texture and allows herbs and nuts to blend seamlessly, releasing maximum flavor potential.
  • Cooking eggs directly in pesto adds unexpected depth, infusing the eggs with basil’s bright, peppery essence while creating a stunning visual presentation.
  • Top your creation with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chili flakes for a zesty finish that adds both texture and subtle heat to this restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 940 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Fat: 74g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 55g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 370mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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