If you love starting your day with something fresh, vibrant, and delicious, you’re going to adore this Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs. Each bite brings together golden toasted bread, juicy sautéed tomatoes kissed with balsamic, and the silkiest poached eggs—finished with a simple basil oil drizzle. Breakfast doesn’t get any more crave-worthy than this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: Sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and just a touch of balsamic come together in every bite—for a brunch that feels like an Italian getaway.
- Incredibly Satisfying and Healthy: Between the protein-packed eggs, hearty toasted bread, and antioxidant-rich veggies, you’ll be fueled and satisfied for hours.
- Perfect for Sharing: Enough for four—but easy to double—this makes a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Switch up the herbs, bread, or even swap in extra veggies to make it your own signature crostini creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs comes together with just a handful of honest, everyday ingredients, but each choice truly counts! Every component adds flavor, texture, or a burst of color that makes each bite sing—let’s take a quick peek at what you’ll need and why.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juicy pop make each crostini irresistible. You could also use grape tomatoes or multi-colored varieties for a gorgeous finish.
- Ciabatta bread: Sliced and toasted until golden, ciabatta is sturdy enough for toppings while still light inside. Sourdough or rustic country bread also work well.
- Eggs: The fresher the better for poaching—look for local or farm-fresh if possible for the dreamiest yolks.
- Basil leaves: Blended into a bright green oil, basil lends fragrant freshness and a punch of color to each plate.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for both sautéing the tomatoes and making the basil oil, quality matters here—choose a fruity, peppery oil for best results.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash heightens the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while adding a little tangy depth.
- Pepperoncino (chilli flakes): For a gentle kick that’s never overwhelming; adjust to taste or omit if you prefer.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and really making the other flavors pop.
Variations
One of the joys of Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs is how easily you can switch things up to suit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Get creative—don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
- Fried or Soft-Boiled Eggs: If poaching eggs feels intimidating, simply fry or soft-boil your eggs for a delicious twist.
- Herb Explosion: Add fresh thyme, tarragon, or even a pinch of fennel seeds to the tomato sauté for extra dimension.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in leftover roasted vegetables like zucchini, aubergine, or potatoes for a hearty, colorful upgrade.
- Basil Oil Alternatives: No time for basil oil? Tear up some basil leaves and stir them into the tomatoes while cooking for easy freshness.
How to Make Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs
Step 1: Sauté the Tomatoes
Begin by slicing your cherry tomatoes in half. Warm a splash of olive oil in a non-stick pan, then scatter in the tomatoes along with a pinch of pepperoncino, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let those beauties sizzle and soften over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, gently tossing, until vibrant and just beginning to break down. Keep them warm while you prep the eggs.
Step 2: Toast the Crostini
While the tomatoes cook, slice your ciabatta into thick pieces. Toast them in a skillet, grill pan, or toaster until each is crisp and golden outside, but chewy inside. This sturdy base will hold all the toppings (and those golden egg yolks!) without getting soggy.
Step 3: Poach the Eggs
To get perfect poached eggs, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Crack each egg into a small ramekin (this helps keep the whites together), and gently lower the ramekin into the hot water. Let the eggs poach for around 4–5 minutes, until the whites are set but yolks remain runny. Carefully lift out each egg with a slotted spoon, and gently pat dry with kitchen paper.
Step 4: Make Easy Basil Oil
Basil oil takes this Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs from simple to stunning. In a mortar and pestle, or with a mini food processor, mash together a handful of fresh basil leaves and a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil until vibrantly green and fragrant. Drizzle over each assembled crostini for amplified flavor and color.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To assemble, place toasted crostini on each plate. Spoon over a tumble of warm sautéed tomatoes, then top each with a just-poached egg. Finish with that gorgeous basil oil drizzle, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and enjoy immediately while everything is hot and luscious!
Pro Tips for Making Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs
- Egg Freshness is Key: The secret to perfect poached eggs is using the freshest eggs possible—if you can, buy them the same day for whites that hold their shape beautifully.
- No Vinegar, No Swirling Needed: Contrary to common advice, there’s no need to add vinegar or swirl the water—simple just-off-the-boil water and care is all you need for gorgeous poached eggs.
- Keep Crostini Crisp: Toast the bread just before you assemble, so every bite stays sturdy and delicious beneath the tomatoes and egg.
- Flavorful Tomatoes: Let your tomatoes sauté until they’re just soft and a little jammy—the balsamic will enhance their sweetness and a touch of pepperoncino will add a subtle, lovely heat.
How to Serve Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, drizzle extra basil oil across the poached eggs and sprinkle with a few torn basil leaves or freshly cracked black pepper. A pinch of flaky sea salt can make each bite even more delightful. If you have extra, a dusting of grated parmesan or pecorino adds a savory pop.
Side Dishes
This Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs pairs perfectly with a peppery arugula salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or even some crisp roasted potatoes. If you’re brunching, a sparkling mimosa or fresh-squeezed juice makes the whole experience just a little bit more special!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, arrange the crostini open-style on a pretty platter with a drizzle bottle of basil oil for guests to customize. For an appetizer spin, serve smaller slices as passed canapés. Or, get playful and make a brunch board: stack crostini, tomatoes, eggs, and garnishes so everyone can build their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover toppings or extra poached eggs, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Wait to assemble the crostini until you’re ready to eat, so your bread doesn’t lose its crunch!
Freezing
While the tomato topping and basil oil don’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze toasted slices of bread. Simply toast from frozen when ready to assemble. Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing them.
Reheating
To reheat the tomato mixture, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Toast your bread again for maximum crunch. If you need to rewarm poached eggs, briefly dip them in hot (but not boiling) water for 30 seconds—this refreshes them without overcooking the yolk.
FAQs
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Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized pieces before sautéing. Cherry tomatoes have a bit more natural sweetness, but any ripe, flavorful tomato will work beautifully for Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs.
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What if I don’t have a mortar and pestle for basil oil?
No problem! Simply use a mini food processor or even chop the basil very finely and stir it into the olive oil by hand. The basil oil is forgiving and adjustable to your kitchen tools.
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How do I make the poached eggs if I’m new to poaching?
The key is to use ultra-fresh eggs, bring your water to just boiling, then turn off the heat before adding the eggs. Crack each egg into a ramekin first for control, then slide it into the water—no swirling or vinegar necessary!
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Can I make Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs for a crowd?
Absolutely! Sauté a big batch of tomatoes, toast up plenty of crostini, and poach eggs in batches. You can hold poached eggs in warm water for a few minutes so everyone eats together—get ready for lots of happy guests.
Final Thoughts
This Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs brings everyday ingredients together in the most joyful, flavorful way—and it’s one of my absolute favorite ways to kick off a weekend morning. Don’t wait for a special occasion; give it a try and treat yourself to a breakfast that truly feels homemade and unforgettable!
PrintSauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini With Poached Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Saute, Poach
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with a burst of flavor with these Sauteed Tomato Breakfast Crostini topped with perfectly poached eggs and a drizzle of basil oil. This elegant yet simple dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Sauteed Tomatoes:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon pepperoncino (chilli flakes)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Poached Eggs:
- 4 eggs
For Serving:
- 4 slices ciabatta bread, toasted
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauteed Tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to a non-stick pan with pepperoncino, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Saute for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Poached Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Crack each egg into a ramekin and gently pour into the water. Poach for 4-5 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry.
- Assembly: Place a slice of toasted ciabatta on a plate, top with sauteed tomatoes and a poached egg. Drizzle with basil oil.
Notes
- Variations: Try topping with a fried egg or adding different herbs/spices to the tomatoes.
- Use fresh eggs for the best poached eggs.
- Follow the tips provided for perfect poached eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 171
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 211mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 163mg