Shakshouka Toast

The bold, savory flavors of shakshouka meet the crisp, golden perfection of toasted sourdough in this easy and comforting recipe. It’s the kind of breakfast (or brunch) that feels both effortless and indulgent—warm tomatoes, smoky spices, and just-set eggs all come together in one glorious bite.

Inspired by the classic Middle Eastern dish, this shakshouka toast simplifies tradition without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a busy morning or lazy afternoon, offering the richness of poached eggs in spiced tomato sauce served over crunchy toast. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a dish that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs

• 2 slices of sourdough or rustic bread

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.

2. Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cooking another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, add smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Make two small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to your liking.

5. While the eggs are cooking, toast your bread slices until golden and crisp.

6. Spoon the shakshouka mixture and eggs onto the toasted bread.

7. Garnish with parsley and crumbled feta if using. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 1–2 servings

What is Shakshouka Toast?

Shakshouka Toast is a modern twist on the beloved Middle Eastern and North African dish known as shakshouka — a vibrant, spiced tomato and egg dish traditionally served in a skillet. In this variation, the rich tomato-based sauce and perfectly poached or baked eggs are served atop a thick slice of rustic or sourdough bread, turning it into a satisfying and elegant open-faced toast. This adaptation makes the dish easier to serve and perfect for a single-plate brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.

This toast combines the rustic depth of shakshouka with the simplicity and convenience of toast, making it a dish that’s both visually impressive and comfortingly familiar. It’s the kind of meal that can feel indulgent, yet it’s packed with nourishing ingredients.

Origins of Shakshouka

Shakshouka has its roots in North African cuisine, especially in Tunisia and Libya, and has since become a staple across the Middle East. Its name is derived from a Maghrebi Arabic term meaning “a mixture,” which perfectly describes the fusion of tomatoes, onions, spices, and eggs cooked together in one skillet.

Over time, the dish migrated to countries like Israel and Turkey, where it found enthusiastic adoption and further variations. Today, shakshouka is a globally loved dish, appreciated for its bold flavors, healthy profile, and ease of preparation. The toast version is simply the next step in its culinary evolution, catering to modern preferences and busy lifestyles.

Why Shakshouka Toast Works

The beauty of shakshouka toast lies in its balance of textures and flavors. You have:

• Crispy toast: A sturdy, golden slice of bread that adds crunch and acts as a base to hold the soft, saucy topping.

• Rich tomato sauce: Simmered with spices like cumin and paprika, this sauce is aromatic, tangy, and slightly sweet.

• Eggs: Soft poached or baked eggs with runny yolks bring creaminess to every bite.

• Herbs and toppings: Garnishes like fresh parsley, feta cheese, or chili flakes add freshness, saltiness, or heat to elevate the dish further.

The layers come together effortlessly, and each bite is a contrast between the crusty bread and the silky sauce and egg. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal but light enough not to weigh you down.

Health Benefits of Shakshouka Toast

Shakshouka Toast isn’t just tasty — it’s also nutritious. It includes:

• High-quality protein from eggs, essential for muscle repair and energy.

• Lycopene-rich tomatoes, which are powerful antioxidants that support heart health and fight inflammation.

• Spices like cumin and paprika that may aid digestion and metabolism.

• Healthy fats from olive oil, known for its heart-protective properties.

This dish also tends to be lower in processed ingredients, making it a whole-food option for those trying to eat more cleanly. It’s also easily adaptable to vegetarian and gluten-free diets with the right bread substitutions.

Shakshouka Toast vs. Traditional Shakshouka

While traditional shakshouka is served in a pan and often shared family-style, shakshouka toast is designed for individual servings, making it ideal for solo meals or brunch gatherings. It’s also easier to serve — no plates full of tomato sauce, no extra bread to dip, and less cleanup.

Additionally, traditional shakshouka may involve more slow simmering, while the toast version can be made relatively quickly, especially with canned tomatoes or pre-made shakshouka sauce. The toast version is more about convenience without sacrificing the comfort and bold flavor the dish is known for.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about shakshouka toast is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add greens like spinach or kale to the sauce for extra fiber and nutrients.

• Top with cheese such as feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella for added creaminess.

• Make it spicy with harissa paste, chili flakes, or jalapeños.

• Include proteins like chorizo, merguez sausage, or tofu crumbles for a more filling meal.

• Use different bread: rye, multigrain, pita, or even naan can create unique bases.

This flexibility makes it a great fridge-cleanout meal, a go-to for busy weeknights, or an impressive yet easy brunch option for guests.

Serving Suggestions

Shakshouka Toast pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• A side of fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a crisp, refreshing element.

• Yogurt with herbs like dill or mint on the side for a cooling contrast.

• A glass of freshly squeezed juice or a strong espresso for a full café-style breakfast.

• For a brunch spread, serve alongside other Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like hummus, labneh, olives, or roasted vegetables.

Whether served alone or as part of a larger spread, this toast brings color and excitement to any table.

Dietary Adaptations

This dish is naturally vegetarian but can easily be made vegan by removing the eggs and using a tofu scramble or chickpea flour-based vegan egg alternative. Vegan feta or nutritional yeast can replace dairy toppings.

To make it gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free bread or a grain-free alternative like sweet potato slices or portobello mushrooms as the base.

Low-carb eaters can try serving the tomato and egg mixture over roasted vegetables instead of bread. The key is in the shakshouka itself — once you have a flavorful tomato sauce and protein-rich component, the rest is open to interpretation.

Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep

Shakshouka Toast lends itself well to meal prepping. The tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked eggs when ready to serve. Toast the bread fresh for the best texture.

You can also freeze the sauce in single portions and defrost when needed — ideal for busy mornings or when you want something comforting and fast without much effort.

This makes it a valuable addition to any weekly meal rotation, especially for those wanting healthy, home-cooked meals with minimal fuss.

Popular Around the World

Shakshouka has gained international popularity over the past decade, appearing on brunch menus in cities from New York to Melbourne. Foodies and chefs alike have embraced its bold flavors, rustic appearance, and comfort-food appeal.

The toast version takes this global dish and makes it even more accessible, bridging the gap between street food culture and modern cafe trends. With social media driving visual appeal, shakshouka toast is as photogenic as it is flavorful — which explains its popularity among home cooks and influencers alike.

Conclusion

Shakshouka Toast is much more than just another trendy brunch dish — it’s a celebration of bold flavors, culinary history, and kitchen creativity. Whether you’re craving something comforting, nutritious, or eye-catching, this recipe delivers. It’s quick enough for weekdays, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough for all dietary needs.

By combining the humble appeal of toast with the rich complexity of spiced tomatoes and eggs, shakshouka toast transforms everyday ingredients into something memorable. It’s a dish that invites experimentation while staying rooted in tradition — the best of both worlds.

So the next time you’re stuck between making a simple toast or a hearty egg dish, try combining both into this one pan-to-plate masterpiece. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.