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This fresh take on Mediterranean hummus toast turns a plain slice of bread into something you’ll crave. You slather on a smooth layer of hummus, pile on juicy tomatoes and salty feta, then finish it off with a sprinkle of lemony zaatar and fresh herbs. I reach for this whenever I need a quick lunch or a snack that actually fills me up.
I came up with this after one too many long evenings in the office. I needed something fast that still felt real. These days, my friends always want this for our shared lunches because it's both fancy and dead simple.
Tasty Ingredients
- Black pepper: Gives a nice peppery kick. Go freshly cracked for best taste.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of green and light herby flavor. Try to snag flat leaf parsley.
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright zing. Fresh squeezed adds a tangy spark.
- Feta cheese: Tangy and crumbly. Always better when you crumble it yourself.
- Tomato: Delivers juicy sweetness. I love ripe cherry or Roma for the best pop.
- Olive oil: Richens everything. Use extra virgin if you can—it makes a difference.
- Zaatar: Earthy, zesty, kind of citrusy. Fresher blends are way more intense and tasty.
- Hummus: Smooth, packed with protein, and garlicky if you want. Homemade or store-bought both work.
- Whole wheat bread: Nutty and hearty. Go for bakery-style or something sturdy for the best bite.
Dreamy Step-by-Step Directions
- Finish with Fresh Pepper:
- Give your toast a few cracks of black pepper to spread out that spice. Now you’re almost done.
- Top It Off with Parsley:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley all over for that herbal kick and some color.
- Bring in the Lemon:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly across the top. This makes every flavor come alive.
- Add the Feta:
- Crush some feta over the tomatoes, letting little crumbles fall all over for tang and creamy texture.
- Drizzle Olive Oil:
- Pour a light stream of oil all over, especially where it soaks into those tomatoes and hummus.
- Layer Tomato Slices:
- Lay down your thin tomato slices right on the zaatar hummus. Overlapping them looks nice and gives every bite some tomato.
- Slice the Tomatoes:
- Give a ripe tomato a good wash, pat it dry, and cut into thin rounds. If you don't want it too wet, scoop out some seeds.
- Shower on the Zaatar:
- Grab a big pinch of zaatar and sprinkle it everywhere over the hummus. This is where all that classic flavor comes from.
- Spread Hummus Generously:
- Using the back of a knife or spoon, slather hummus all the way to the toast’s edges. That way, nothing dries out and your toppings stick.
- Get the Hummus Ready:
- Scoop a nice helping of hummus—about two tablespoons—into a bowl and stir it if it feels dense.
- Crisp the Bread:
- Put your bread on a plate or board. Toast it till it’s as crunchy as you want—either in the toaster or on a skillet. A solid crunch is key.
- Dig in While It’s Warm:
- Bite right in while everything’s still cozy and fresh. It’s best this way—crispy and full of flavor.
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Zaatar’s got that lemony, herby thing thanks to wild thyme. Just a pinch and I’m right back to watching my grandma shower it over warm bread. Honestly, hummus toast is our lifesaver on busy mornings when everybody’s hungry and short on time.
How to Store It
Keep extra bread and toppings in separate containers, seal them up tight, and stash in the fridge. Put everything together right before you eat, so the bread stays crunchy. If you’re packing this for later, keep the hummus, tomatoes, and feta apart and build your toast fresh during lunch.
Swap Ideas
No zaatar? Toss together dried thyme, oregano, and a dash of sesame seeds. Skip the feta or use plant-based cheese if you’re going dairy-free. Roasted veg like eggplant or zucchini are awesome instead of tomato too.
How to Serve
Add a pile of olives or some cool cucumber slices for a real Mediterranean vibe. This toast also loves sharing a plate with scrambled eggs or crisp greens. Want to fancy it up? Toss on pine nuts or a handful of peppery arugula.
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Tradition & Background
Hummus and zaatar go back centuries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Folks there know how to turn basic foods into powerfully tasty bites. Eating a spread of dips, bread, and bright spices is all about gathering with friends and making memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What bread should I use?
Chunky whole wheat is perfect for this, but you can grab a hearty slice of sourdough, multigrain, or any thick-cut bread that's got some bite and crunch.
- → Can I swap out the hummus flavor?
Go for it! Roasted red pepper, lemon, or garlic hummus all work and give their own tasty spin on this.
- → Is there something I can use instead of za’atar?
No za’atar? Mix a little dried oregano or thyme with some sesame seeds to copy those herby flavors. Taste and tweak it as you like.
- → How do I make this without dairy?
Skip the feta or grab a vegan version. There’s enough flavor from the hummus and veggies to keep things interesting.
- → What goes well on the side?
Pair this up with cold cucumber slices, some olives, or a fresh green salad for something extra on the plate.
- → Can I prep any toppings ahead?
You sure can—chop your tomatoes and crumble your feta in advance. Just throw it all together on the bread right before eating so everything stays crisp.