Spicy Mozzarella Chile-Cheese Toasts
Indulge in the bold flavors of these Spicy Mozzarella Chile-Cheese Toasts, perfect for a savory lunch or a quick snack. This recipe combines the creaminess of whole milk mozzarella with the zesty kick of jalapeños, finely chopped onions, and fresh herbs, all layered on hearty whole wheat bread. Each bite is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and spicy heat, making it difficult to stop at just one! Ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying solo, these toasts are quick to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole milk mozzarella
1 lb (shredded)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
tomatoes
1 medium (finely chopped and drained on paper towels)
jalapenos
2 (seeded and finely chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
hearty whole wheat bread
12 slices (1/2-inch thick)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your broiler to high and position the oven rack a few inches from the heating element.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, finely chopped onion, drained tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3
3. Arrange the slices of whole wheat bread on a baking sheet. Place them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
4
4. Once browned, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the bread slices over. Generously spread the mozzarella mixture on top of each slice.
5
5. Return the baking sheet to the broiler and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6
6. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious toasts with your favorite dipping sauce or simply as they are!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cheese used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of whole milk mozzarella, shredded.
What kind of bread is recommended for the toasts?
Hearty whole wheat bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick, is recommended.
How many slices of bread does this recipe cover?
This recipe is designed to make 12 slices of spicy cheese toast.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be finely chopped and drained on paper towels to prevent the toasts from becoming soggy.
How many jalapeños are needed for the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 jalapeños, which should be seeded and finely chopped.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise in this recipe?
The mayonnaise acts as a binding agent and adds creaminess to the mozzarella mixture.
What oven setting is used for cooking these toasts?
You should use the broiler setting on high.
How far should the oven rack be from the heat source?
The oven rack should be positioned a few inches from the heating element.
Do I need to toast the bread before adding the cheese mixture?
Yes, the bread slices should be broiled for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned before flipping and adding the toppings.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt and bubble?
Once the mixture is added, the toasts should be broiled for an additional 3-5 minutes.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from the chopped jalapeños and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifies finely chopped onion; you can use white, yellow, or red onion depending on your preference.
Should the cilantro be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Is the salt and pepper measured?
No, salt and black pepper should be added 'to taste'.
How should I serve these toasts?
They should be served warm, either with a favorite dipping sauce or on their own.
Can I make these toasts for a crowd?
Yes, the recipe makes 12 slices, making it ideal for sharing with friends or as a snack for groups.
What should I do if the bread starts to burn during the first toasting?
The recipe advises keeping a close eye on the bread under the broiler to avoid burning; remove it as soon as it is lightly browned.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features a crunchy whole wheat base with a melted, bubbly, and golden cheese topping.
Can I use low-fat mozzarella instead of whole milk mozzarella?
While you can substitute it, whole milk mozzarella is recommended for its superior melting qualities and creaminess.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Should the tomatoes be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 1 medium tomato, which implies fresh is preferred over canned.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the mixture?
No, the onion is finely chopped and mixed raw with the cheese and other ingredients before broiling.
What if I want less heat in my toast?
You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the jalapeño seeds to lower the spice level.
Does the recipe mention any nutritional information like calories?
No, specific nutritional values such as calories, fat, or protein are not provided for this recipe.
Can I substitute the whole wheat bread for another type?
While whole wheat is recommended for its heartiness, you can use other bread types like sourdough or Italian bread if preferred.
What type of black pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Is any special equipment required besides a broiler?
You will need a large mixing bowl for the cheese mixture and a baking sheet to hold the bread slices.
How long should I let the toasts cool after removing them from the oven?
The recipe suggests letting them cool slightly before serving warm to ensure the cheese has set and is safe to eat.