Shakshouka Toast with Feta-Fried Eggs is an exciting and vibrant take on the traditional shakshouka, which is famous for its rich tomato sauce and eggs. This recipe is an absolute delight for your taste buds, combining the savory tomato base with crisp toast, perfectly fried eggs, and a touch of crumbled feta for a creamy finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a light dinner, this dish is the perfect choice to impress your guests and elevate your meal to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold, Spicy Flavors: The robust tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices, brings a bold depth of flavor to each bite.
- Crispy and Creamy: The combination of crunchy toast and soft, runny eggs, topped with creamy feta, makes for a satisfying contrast of textures.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings or relaxed weekends.
- Protein-Packed: Eggs provide a solid source of protein to start your day on the right foot.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to your liking, add extra toppings, or even make it vegan with a few tweaks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shakshouka Sauce:
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Bell pepper, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato paste (for added depth of flavor)
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Feta Fried Eggs:
- Eggs
- Olive oil or butter
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For Assembly:
- Sourdough or rustic bread (toasted)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh basil or cilantro (optional garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shakshouka Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. The sweetness from the bell pepper will help balance the tangy richness of the tomato sauce. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
Next, add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together, creating a delicious, aromatic base for your dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 2: Fry the Feta Eggs
In a separate pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, crumble feta cheese into the pan and let it melt for about 30 seconds. The feta will add a creamy texture and a savory depth to the eggs. Then, crack the eggs directly over the crumbled feta. Cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, you can cook them a little longer. Season with a pinch of black pepper and additional crumbled feta if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
While the shakshouka sauce simmers and the eggs cook, toast your bread slices. You can use any crusty, hearty bread for this step, but sourdough or rustic bread works particularly well. Drizzle a little olive oil over the toast for added flavor.
Once the toast is golden and crispy, spoon the warm shakshouka sauce generously over each slice. The sauce will soak into the bread, infusing it with rich, flavorful juices.
Step 4: Top with Feta Fried Eggs
Carefully place the feta-fried eggs on top of the shakshouka sauce. The warm, runny yolks will add a lovely richness to the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, and if desired, a sprinkle of extra feta and fresh basil or cilantro. This adds a beautiful burst of color and freshness to your dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations:
- Spicy Version: If you prefer extra heat, you can add harissa paste or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer, more indulgent version, you can stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt into the shakshouka sauce, which will create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a tofu scramble and swap out the feta for dairy-free feta for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
- Extra Protein: Add chickpeas to the shakshouka sauce to increase the protein content and make the dish even heartier.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover shakshouka sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the best texture, reheat the eggs separately to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 slices sourdough or rustic bread, toasted
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes (optional), and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil or butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta in the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Crack eggs over the feta and cook until whites are set and yolks are still runny (about 3-4 minutes).
- Toast the bread slices and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.
- Spread the shakshouka sauce generously over the toast. Top with the feta fried eggs.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra feta, and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shakshouka sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, fry the eggs, and assemble the toast.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or any rustic, crusty bread is ideal for this recipe. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the sauce and eggs without becoming soggy.
Can I scramble the eggs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Scrambled eggs also pair wonderfully with the shakshouka sauce, and the creamy texture complements the bold flavors.
How do I make the yolks extra runny?
To get perfect runny yolks, cook the eggs over medium-low heat and cover the pan with a lid for about 1 minute. This helps to gently cook the whites while keeping the yolk soft and runny.
What can I serve with this dish?
This shakshouka toast pairs well with a fresh cucumber salad, avocado slices, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of olives or hummus for extra Mediterranean flair.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Goat cheese or ricotta can be great substitutes for feta, offering different textures and flavors while still complementing the shakshouka sauce.
Is shakshouka the same as huevos rancheros?
While both dishes feature eggs and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, shakshouka is typically spiced with Middle Eastern seasonings, while huevos rancheros has a more Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Can I make the eggs directly in the sauce?
Yes! If you prefer, you can crack the eggs directly into the simmering shakshouka sauce and cover the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the eggs are set. This method creates a rich, flavorful sauce that infuses the eggs with all its spices.
What’s a good drink pairing for this dish?
A hot cup of mint tea or a spiced chai latte pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of this shakshouka toast. For a non-caffeinated option, a fresh citrus juice like orange or grapefruit complements the dish beautifully.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! For a low-carb alternative, serve this shakshouka toast over cauliflower toast or with roasted eggplant slices instead of regular bread.
Conclusion
Shakshouka Toast with Feta Fried Eggs is the ultimate blend of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden toast absorbs the spicy, savory shakshouka sauce, while the runny eggs and creamy feta take this dish to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s a satisfying and vibrant meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious and wholesome dish that will leave you craving more!
