Mediterranean Cheesy Roasted Veggie Toast
This vibrant Mediterranean Cheesy Roasted Veggie Toast layers crispy artisan bread with caramelized roasted vegetables, creamy cheese, and a hint of herbs. Packed with flavor, texture, and color, it’s an elevated take on classic toast. It’s easy to customize, totally vegetarian, and perfect for using up seasonal produce.
Time Estimate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Roast Time: 25 minutes
Assembly & Toast Time: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4 toasts
Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables:
1 small zucchini, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 small eggplant, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toast Base:
4 slices of sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain bread
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
For the Cheese Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina
1/4 cup crumbled feta
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
To Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a baking sheet, toss zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and eggplant with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spread into a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
Toast the Bread
While vegetables roast, brush both sides of bread slices lightly with olive oil.
Toast in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or place directly on oven rack for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Toasts
Top each slice of toasted bread with a generous spoonful of roasted veggies.
Sprinkle mozzarella (or fontina) and feta over the veggies. Add Parmesan if desired.
Melt the Cheese
Return the toasts to the oven (or toaster oven) and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve warm, optionally with a side salad or soup.
Tips
Use Sturdy Bread:
Choose thick slices of sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain bread to hold up to the moisture from roasted veggies and melted cheese.
Toast for Crispiness:
Brushing the bread with olive oil and toasting it in a skillet or oven ensures it stays crisp even under cheesy toppings.
Roast Veggies Evenly:
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes and avoid overcrowding the pan so they roast instead of steam.
Layer Smartly:
Place veggies on the toast first, then sprinkle cheese over them. This helps hold everything together as the cheese melts.
Balance the Flavors:
Add a final touch of freshness like lemon juice or fresh herbs to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Broil Carefully:
When melting the cheese, keep a close eye under the broiler—it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Roast the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and broil fresh when ready to serve.
Variations
Cheese Swaps:
Use crumbled goat cheese, shredded fontina, or a dollop of ricotta instead of mozzarella and feta.
For a bold flavor, try blue cheese crumbles or smoked provolone.
Add Protein:
Top with a fried or poached egg.
Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, grilled chicken, or canned tuna.
Different Veggies:
Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or even roasted carrots for variety.
Turn It into a Flatbread or Pizza:
Use naan, pita, or flatbread as your base. Assemble and bake until the cheese melts.
Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes, harissa, or sliced jalapeños for some heat.
Mini Version:
Use small baguette slices to make appetizer-style toasts or party bites.
Dairy-Free Option:
Use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to make it vegan.
Q&A
Q: Can I use raw vegetables instead of roasting them?
A: Technically yes, but roasting adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Raw veggies may make the toast watery and less flavorful.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese or a mix of vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast. Ensure the bread is egg- and dairy-free.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. Then roast them as usual to reduce moisture and enhance flavor.
Q: How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bread first and layer cheese on top of the veggies. Serving immediately after broiling also helps.
Q: Can I make it ahead for a party?
A: You can roast the veggies ahead of time and toast the bread just before serving. Assemble and broil the toasts right before guests arrive for best results.
Nutrition Facts (per toast)
Calories: ~280
Protein: ~9g
Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~380mg
Calcium: ~150mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the bread, type of cheese, and specific vegetables used.
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Cheesy Roasted Veggie Toast is a flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings together rustic roasted vegetables, creamy cheeses, and toasty bread in a single bite. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a quick lunch, or a light dinner, this recipe is endlessly customizable and packed with bold Mediterranean flair. Simple to make and easy to love — this toast is a definite winner for vegetarians and omnivores alike.