Description
Chili Cheese Toast is a quick and flavorful snack featuring toasted bread topped with a spicy, tangy chili mixture and melted gooey cheese. Perfect for a savory breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light meal, this recipe combines sautéed peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection for a crispy, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spreads
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or any choice of your preference)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting)
Chili Mixture
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup canned tomato, finely chopped (or fresh tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your toaster oven to get ready for toasting and melting the cheese later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices to blend with the vegetables.
- Season the Chili Mixture: Stir in tomato ketchup, chili sauce, oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toast the Bread: While the chili mixture is cooking, lightly butter both sides of the bread slices. Toast them in the oven or on a griddle until they are golden and crispy, creating a sturdy base for the topping.
- Assemble the Toast: Spoon the prepared chili mixture generously over each slice of toasted bread and spread it evenly to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a blend of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of each slice. Add extra cheese if you prefer a more gooey, cheesy texture.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the prepared slices on a baking tray and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chili cheese toasts from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot for a deliciously spicy and cheesy treat.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of green chilies and chili sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses provides both stretchiness and sharpness in flavor.
- To make the toast extra crispy, butter the bread well and ensure it is toasted before adding the chili mixture and cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, make sure the chili sauce and ketchup are free from animal-derived ingredients.
- Leftover chili mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and used for another batch or as a dip.
