Tomato Cheddar Toasts

Tomato Cheddar Toasts

Tomato and Cheddar toasts don’t need fussing — just crusty bread, swoops of mayonnaise, perfect summer tomatoes and the sharpest Cheddar you can find. It’s in the construction where things can go from good to great. Instead of cheese that’s sliced (which can be stiff and unrelenting) or broiled (and coagulated), take a cue from Chris Kronner’s burger wisdom in “A Burger to Believe In” (Ten Speed Press, 2018) and stir finely grated Cheddar into the mayonnaise. When slathered on hot, toasted bread, the cheese will melt into a creamy base somewhere between a </span><a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019033-creamy-queso-with-pickled-jalapenos"><span>queso</span></a><span> and pepper-free </span><a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017354-pimento-cheese"><span>pimento cheese</span></a><span>. It has the pluck of sharp Cheddar, albeit in a plush and delightful form.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe medium tomatoes

    thinly sliced

  • Salt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 packed cup/2 ounces finely grated extra-sharp Cheddar
  • 4 slices crusty bread

Directions

  1. 1

    Arrange the tomatoes on a plate and sprinkle with salt. Stir together the mayonnaise, Cheddar and a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Toast the bread however you like. Right when the bread’s hot and ready, slather with the Cheddar mayonnaise. (Extra mayo will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.) Top with the tomatoes and devour.

Tomato Cheddar Toasts

Tomato Cheddar Toasts

5.0(4.0k)

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About this Recipe

Craving the simple, pure taste of summer without any fuss? These Tomato Cheddar Toasts are an absolute revelation, bringing together peak-season ripe tomatoes with a wonderfully creamy, sharp cheddar base on crusty bread. You'll find yourself reaching for this delightful snack or light meal all season long.

What makes these toasts stand out is an ingenious technique for the cheese. Instead of simply slicing or broiling the cheddar, you'll blend finely grated extra-sharp Cheddar right into the mayonnaise. This creates a luxurious, melty spread that bakes into a plush, savory base reminiscent of a soft queso or a pepper-free pimento cheese, avoiding any stiff or coagulated cheese textures.

Expect a symphony of textures and flavors with every bite. The crusty bread offers a satisfying crunch, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich, tangy, and deeply savory cheddar-mayonnaise mixture. Layered on top, the thinly sliced ripe tomatoes burst with fresh, juicy sweetness, perfectly balanced by a hint of salt. It's an elevated take on a classic, offering a harmonious blend that feels both comforting and incredibly fresh.

While extra-sharp Cheddar is called for to deliver that quintessential zing, you can experiment with the level of sharpness to suit your preference. A different robust, melting cheese might also work, but the specified cheddar truly shines. For the bread, any good crusty bread will do, but feel free to choose your favorite artisan loaf. In the height of summer, aim for the best ripe medium tomatoes you can find for optimal flavor. If ripe tomatoes are hard to come by, consider a quick roast to intensify their sweetness.

These Tomato Cheddar Toasts are perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even an elegant appetizer for a casual gathering. Serve them warm, allowing the creamy cheddar to fully complement the fresh tomatoes.

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