Description
Chili Cheese Toast is a quick and flavorful snack made by toasting buttered bread topped with a spicy sautéed tomato and chili mixture, finished with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect as a satisfying appetizer or light meal, it combines the crunch of golden toast with a spicy, cheesy topping bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or any choice of your preference)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting)
Chili Tomato Mixture
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup canned tomato, finely chopped (or fresh tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your toaster oven to ensure it is hot and ready for toasting and baking the chili cheese toasts.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the vegetables soften, which will help release their flavors.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a base for the chili mixture.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in tomato ketchup, chili sauce, oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes more until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired to balance the spicy and tangy flavors.
- Toast Bread: While the chili mixture cooks, lightly butter both sides of the bread slices. Toast them in the preheated oven or on a griddle until they achieve a golden, crispy texture that will hold the toppings well.
- Assemble Toasts: Spoon the prepared chili mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice, spreading it evenly to cover the surface completely for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the chili-topped bread. Add extra cheese if preferred for a richer, gooier finish.
- Bake Cheese Topped Toast: Place the prepared toasts on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toast from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy this spicy, cheesy treat fresh from the oven!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of green chilies and chili sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses gives a nice balance of melt and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite cheeses.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure that the chili sauce and ketchup used contain no animal products.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and taste.
- Try toasting bread on a griddle if you don’t have an oven for a similar crispy base.
