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Pesto Toast with Tomatoes is one of those simple recipes that can take your breakfast or snack to a whole new level.

Pesto Toast served on a whit plate, overhead image

With just a few key ingredients like fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, you can create a pesto toast that’s bursting with flavor!

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a great snack, this pesto toast recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of basil in every bite.

I’ve made this toast in so many different ways! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Love avocado? Add some creamy avocado slices on top. Want a little extra crunch? Sprinkle some pine nuts or red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.

The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe a staple in my kitchen.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. You can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time, but if you want the freshest flavor, homemade basil pesto is always a great option.

So, let’s dive into why this pesto toast works so well and how you can make it in your own kitchen.

Some of our other favorite LUNCH RECIPES we have on our site include: Copycat Chili’s Monterey Chicken Recipe, Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe, and Thai Red Curry Soup with Chicken.

side shot of Pesto Toast on a white plate

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack.
Versatile: Pesto breakfast toast can be customized with various toppings, making it a great recipe to adapt to your preferences.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a burst of flavor that’s satisfying and delicious.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Bread slices
Butter
Pesto
Cherry tomatoes
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Salt

HOW TO MAKE PESTO TOAST:

Toasting the Bread:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Toast the bread slices on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

Tomato Pesto Toast:

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they are slightly softened and wrinkled. Season with salt to taste.
Spread a layer of pesto on the toasted bread.
Arrange the sautéed cherry tomatoes on top.
Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

collage of images showing how to make Pesto Toast

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT PESTO?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time or don’t have the ingredients to make homemade pesto.

However, homemade basil pesto will give you the freshest and most vibrant flavor.

DO I HAVE TO COOK THE TOMATOES?

No, I think it’s a great way to go, but you don’t have to cook the tomatoes if you prefer them fresh.

Cooking them adds a slightly sweeter and softer texture, but fresh tomatoes also work well for a bright and juicy topping.

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ANY ADDITIONS?

A little black pepper here, a drizzle of olive oil there.

Try out some of these other ideas too!

Avocado slices: Add creamy avocado for a richer texture and flavor.
Pine nuts: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch for a spicy kick.
Goat cheese: Crumble some goat cheese over the top for a tangy twist.
Fresh mozzarella: Melt fresh mozzarella on top for a caprese-style toast.
Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty finish.
Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for really good results.
Sliced red peppers: Add some roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Cream cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese before adding the pesto for extra creaminess.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Let me know how this goes in the comments.

I always love hearing about your own creations!

Bread: Use sourdough bread, whole grain, or ciabatta instead of regular bread slices for different textures and flavors.
Butter: Swap with olive oil for a lighter, healthier option.
Pesto: Try kale pesto or pistachio pesto for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
Cherry tomatoes: Use heirloom tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste and texture.
Garlic: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use roasted garlic instead of raw.

overhead image of Pesto Toast on serving plate

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store any leftover pesto toast components separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The toast is best when served fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

To reheat, simply pop the toast in a toaster oven until warmed through.

Freezer: The toast itself doesn’t freeze well because the bread can become soggy.

However, you can freeze the pesto separately in a small container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use good quality pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, make sure your pesto is fresh and full of flavor for the best results.
Toast the bread evenly: Toasting the bread in butter over medium heat ensures a golden brown, crispy texture that holds up well to the toppings.
Customize your toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Add whatever toppings you love to make it your own.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese will give your toast the best flavor and texture.
Serve immediately: Best enjoyed right after making it when the bread is still warm and crispy.
Try different breads: Experiment with different types of bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or even a baguette for varied textures and flavors.

up close image of side angle Pesto Toast on plate

Pesto Toast is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any time of day.

It’s quick to make, easily customizable, and always satisfying. So why not give it a try?

You might just discover your new favorite toast recipe!

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If you’ve tried this PESTO TOAST, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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