Toaster: Quickly browns bread to golden perfection.
Make This Pesto Toast in Just Minutes
Herb Fusion The secret to mind-blowing pesto starts with blending fresh basil leaves, crunchy pine nuts, zesty garlic, and salty Parmesan in a food processor. Drizzle olive oil slowly to create a silky, vibrant green sauce that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
Sunny Egg Canvas Heat a non-stick pan and spread a generous layer of homemade pesto. Crack eggs directly onto the herbal landscape, letting them sizzle and crisp around the edges.
Bread Foundation Toast slices until golden and crispy, then schmear with creamy feta for an extra tangy base that complements the rich pesto.
Final Flourish Slide the perfectly cooked eggs onto the feta-covered toast. Sprinkle with a dash of chili flakes and freshly grated Parmesan to elevate this simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.
Creative Spins for Your Pesto Toast
Select bright green, fragrant basil leaves without any wilting or dark spots for the most vibrant pesto flavor.
Replace pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a budget-friendly and delicious alternative that adds unique nutty depth.
Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged gouda to create exciting pesto variations that match your taste preferences.
Preserve leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin olive oil layer on top to prevent browning and keep it fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Adjust chili pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance – from a light sprinkle for mild warmth to a generous dash for serious spice lovers.
How to Serve Pesto Toast Anytime of Day
Brunch Brilliance: Serve this pesto toast as a star attraction during weekend morning gatherings with friends, creating a vibrant and Instagram-worthy meal.
Gourmet Picnic Delight: Pack the pesto, feta, and pre-toasted bread separately for an elegant outdoor lunch that impresses with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Protein-Packed Breakfast Bowl: Complement the toast with a side of Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, and fresh cherry tomatoes to create a balanced and nutritious morning meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
Quick Dinner Twist: Transform this recipe into a light evening meal by adding a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option for busy weeknights.
Store Pesto Toast and Keep It Crisp
Quick Fridge Storage: Keep homemade pesto in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain fresh herbal flavors.
Freezing Pesto Genius: Spoon pesto into ice cube trays, freeze solid, then transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags. Perfect for quick meal additions within 3 months.
Bread Freshness Hack: Store untoasted bread in a cool, dry pantry area. Wrap loosely in paper or cloth bag to prevent moisture buildup and maintain soft texture.
Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store eggs and feta separately in refrigerator's main compartment. Keep eggs in original carton, feta in sealed container to prevent flavor transfer and maintain optimal freshness.
Creamy basil pesto elevates classic toast into a Mediterranean-inspired delight. Crisp bread, aromatic herbs, and rich parmesan create a quick gourmet experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups fresh basil
¼ cup (30 grams/1 oz) pine nuts
½ cup (50 grams/1.8 oz) finely grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 fl oz) olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
zest and juice from 1 lemon
2 slices bread (sourdough or your choice)
2 tbsps (30 grams/1 oz) creamy macedonian feta or other spreadable cheese
2 large eggs
Instructions
Pesto Preparation: Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, sea salt, and lemon zest in a food processor, blending while gradually incorporating olive oil until a smooth, vibrant green sauce emerges.
Egg Cooking: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, spread pesto across the surface, and crack eggs directly onto the sauce, seasoning with black pepper and sea salt.
Bread Toasting: Simultaneously toast artisan bread slices until achieving a golden, crisp texture.
Assembly: Layer toasted bread with creamy feta cheese, then carefully transfer pesto-cooked eggs onto the slices.
Finishing Touches: Enhance the dish by sprinkling additional Parmesan and red chili pepper flakes for heightened flavor and visual intrigue, creating a sophisticated and appetizing pesto toast experience.
Notes
Ingredient Freshness Matters: Use the freshest basil leaves and high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the pesto’s flavor and vibrant green color.
Pulse Precisely: Control the food processor pulses to achieve a smooth, well-integrated pesto without over-processing the ingredients.
Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat when cooking eggs to ensure perfectly runny yolks and crisp pesto base without burning.
Cheese Pairing Tip: Feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich pesto and runny egg, creating a complex flavor profile that enhances the overall dish.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.