If you love a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and easy enough for a weekday treat, this Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It combines creamy, tangy feta with sweet, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes on crisp, rustic bread, all brightened up by fresh basil. This recipe delivers an amazing balance of textures and colors that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner shared with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. You don’t need a long list; just quality basics that come together effortlessly and shine.
- Crusty sourdough or country bread: Provides the perfect crunchy base that holds up to the juicy tomatoes and creamy feta.
- Feta cheese: Whether block or crumbled, it adds a salty, tangy element that melts slightly when baked.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies with roasting, balancing the feta’s saltiness beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Drizzled over the assembled toasts, it enhances richness and adds a fruity, smooth finish.
- Dried oregano: A subtle herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes and cheese without overpowering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or sliced, they add a refreshing, aromatic burst just before serving.
How to Make Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C), this temperature is perfect for roasting the cherry tomatoes until they are sweet and juicy while gently warming and softening the feta.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base
Arrange four slices of your crusty sourdough or country bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. The bread acts as the sturdy foundation that will soak up those fabulous juices.
Step 3: Season the Cherry Tomatoes
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning step is where the foundation of bold, vibrant flavors starts forming.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Evenly scatter the seasoned cherry tomatoes over each bread slice. Then add the feta cheese—either crumbled or sliced evenly over the tomatoes. Finally, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on top to ensure everything roasts to perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp, and the feta cheese has softened and started to develop a light golden brown color. This step is the magic that brings the dish to life.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Once out of the oven, top each toast with a handful of torn or sliced fresh basil leaves. This fresh green herb adds a fresh, cooling contrast to the warm, roasted ingredients and finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from fresh basil, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to introduce a touch of sweetness and acidity. These extra touches take the presentation and flavor from simple to stunning.
Side Dishes
This Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a light green salad or a bowl of soup for a more complete meal. A crisp white wine or iced tea would accompany it wonderfully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the toasts on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, casual vibe or stack the toasts neatly on elegant white plates if you’re entertaining guests. Layering with additional basil leaves or microgreens adds a stylish, fresh finish that’s Instagram-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The toasts are best eaten within one or two days so the bread does not become soggy and the flavors remain bright.
Freezing
Freezing baked feta toast is not ideal because the texture of the bread and tomatoes will change. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the toast on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will help revive the crispness of the bread and gently warm the toppings without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While crusty sourdough or country bread works best for its texture and flavor, you can use rustic Italian bread or even a sturdy rye. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Is it possible to use other cheeses?
Feta is key for its saltiness and texture, but you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind these cheeses have different melting properties and flavors.
Can I prepare the cherry tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can toss the cherry tomatoes with the olive oil and seasonings a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature before assembling and baking for the best results.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil sprinkled on top after baking, but it won’t be as vibrant. Fresh herb alternatives like parsley or mint can also work depending on your taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Since feta cheese is a dairy product, this recipe isn’t vegan. However, you can substitute with vegan feta or a tofu-based cheese alternative to keep it plant-based without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for any occasion—whether a lazy weekend brunch or a quick dinner that feels a little indulgent. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again because some dishes just have that irresistible charm.
Print
Baked Feta Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Toast is a delightful and easy-to-make savory dish featuring crusty sourdough bread topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy baked feta cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect as a quick breakfast, brunch, or light meal, it combines Mediterranean flavors with a simple baking method for a warm, comforting toast.
Ingredients
For the Toast Base
- 4 slices crusty sourdough or country bread
Topping Ingredients
- 5.3 oz feta cheese, block or crumbled
- 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Small handful fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the toasts.
- Prepare Bread Base: Arrange the 4 slices of crusty sourdough or country bread evenly on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season Tomatoes: In a bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Assemble Toasts: Evenly scatter the seasoned cherry tomatoes over each bread slice, creating a vibrant and flavorful base.
- Add Cheese: Crumble or slice the feta cheese and distribute it evenly over the tomatoes on each toast to add a creamy and tangy layer.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each prepared toast to help with baking and flavor infusion.
- Bake Toasts: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the bread turns golden, the feta softens, and it develops a light golden brown color on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toasts from the oven and immediately top them with fresh torn or sliced basil leaves. Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use crusty bread like sourdough or country loaf to hold the toppings well without becoming soggy.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or halved roma tomatoes.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes before baking if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil adds a refreshing contrast but can be substituted with fresh oregano or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the creamy texture of the melted feta and the crisp bread.
