Transform your breakfast routine with our mouthwatering Mascarpone Toast, garnished with burst tomatoes. It’s a simple recipe that packs a punch of flavor!
I started eating this as a way to use up some leftover mascarpone, smearing it all over the toast and topping it with warm burst tomatoes. I cooked the tomatoes by putting them into a hot skillet. This caramelizes the few sugars in the tomatoes, and it also concentrates their flavor. Once the tomatoes become blistered and burst open, they shrink down into a little bit of condensed tomato goodness.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Mascarpone Toast
- I love that its neutral taste pairs well with a variety of toppings, from sweet fruits to savory herbs.
- Mascarpone Toast has a rich, creamy texture and warm bread that creates a comforting experience, ideal for a cozy breakfast or appetizer.
- Making Mascarpone Toast is quick and simple, perfect for busy mornings or a hassle-free snack.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adding a burst of sweetness and juiciness to complement the creamy mascarpone.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The key ingredient that gives the toast its creamy and rich character.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Bread Variety Variation: Substitute the crusty bread with sourdough bread, brioche, or challah bread for a different textural experience. Sourdough adds a tangy note, while brioche and challah offer a richer, softer texture.
- Sweet Variation: Replace the cherry tomatoes with a selection of fresh berries such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Drizzle honey over the mascarpone-covered toast before adding the berries for a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors.
How to Make Mascarpone Toast
Step #1: Toast the bread to your liking.
Step #2: Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a small cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until blistered. Turn off the heat source and use a pot holder to shake the pan and turn the tomatoes. Continue to cook with the heat off for another minute or two, until wrinkled and soft.
Step #3: Smear a tablespoon and a half of mascarpone cheese onto each piece of toast. Top each piece of toast with half of the blistered tomatoes. Drizzle the top of the toast with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve at once.
Expert Tip
- Gentle Tomato Pricking: Use a fork to gently prick and press down on the tomatoes while they cook. This prevents the hot juice from bursting unexpectedly when you bite into them.
- Select Premium Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil for drizzling. Even though you only need a small amount, premium olive oil significantly enhances the flavor, making the dish truly stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
To achieve extra crunchiness, toast the bread for a slightly longer duration in the toaster oven or regular oven. Monitor the toasting process closely to ensure it reaches the desired level of crispiness without burning.
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with a different soft cheese if you prefer. Cream cheese or ricotta are good alternatives, offering a similar texture but slightly different flavors. Keep in mind that the taste will change depending on the cheese you choose.
To make this recipe vegan, you can use vegan bread and replace the mascarpone cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For the olive oil, ensure you’re using a brand that fits vegan standards. There are also several vegan cheeses available that mimic the texture and taste of mascarpone.
Absolutely! Adding a protein can make this dish more filling. Consider topping your toast with a poached or soft-boiled egg. For a vegan option, avocado slices or a sprinkle of hemp seeds can add both protein and healthy fats. Smoked salmon is another excellent choice for a non-vegan protein addition.
Storage info
Mascarpone toast is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t store well when assembled. However, you can keep the ingredients separately. Store mascarpone in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can store the cooked tomatoes in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Keep bread at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze it for a longer shelf life. To reheat, toast the bread again and then add mascarpone and tomatoes just before serving.
More Toast Recipes That You Will Love
Mascarpone Toast with Burst Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large slices crusty bread
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - divided
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
- Flaky sea salt
- Black sesame seeds - optional
- Red pepper flakes - optional
Instructions
- Toast the bread to your liking.
- Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a small cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until blistered. Turn off the heat source and use a pot holder to shake the pan and turn the tomatoes. Continue to cook with the heat off for another minute or two, until wrinkled and soft.
- Smear a tablespoon and a half of mascarpone cheese onto each piece of toast. Top each piece of toast with half of the blistered tomatoes. Drizzle the top of the toast with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve at once.
NOTES
Nutrition
This toast is delicious. I used sourdough bread with herb, goat cheese, and the tomatoes.
Hi Molly, thanks for the 5 star rating and for sharing your changes!
This recipe is so DELICIOUS. My whole family loved the sauce. It turned out amazing! Thank you!!!