Italian Open Toast with Grilled Ham, Cheese & Olives
A delightful twist on the traditional toast, this Italian Open Toast with Grilled Ham, Cheese & Olives is a protein-packed breakfast perfect for those mornings when you crave something savory yet light. The rich flavor of Swiss cheese combined with the savory notes of chicken ham and the zesty olives gives each bite an irresistible Mediterranean flair. This recipe is easy to make, nutritious, and will surely keep you energized throughout your busy day. Pair it with a refreshing Mango Tofu Smoothie to complete your high-protein breakfast.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 6 slices |
Chicken Ham | 6 slices |
Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | 1/4 cup |
Fresh Dill Leaves | 1 teaspoon |
Swiss Cheese (finely sliced) | 2 slices |
Black Olives (halved) | 1/4 cup |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for cooking) | As required |
Salt | To taste |
Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Italian
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smooth and easy. -
Toast the Bread:
Place the slices of whole wheat brown bread into a toaster and toast them until they become crisp and golden brown. This will add a nice crunch to your open toast. -
Butter and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Once the bread slices are toasted, spread a thin layer of butter on top. Then, place the slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. -
Grill the Ham:
Heat a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken ham slices to the skillet and grill them until they are fully cooked and lightly browned on both sides. This step enhances the flavor of the ham. -
Assemble the Open Toast:
Spread a generous amount of homemade pizza and pasta sauce over each slice of toast. Top each one with a grilled slice of chicken ham, a sprinkle of fresh dill leaves, and a few halved black olives. Finish by placing a slice of Swiss cheese over the top of each toast. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). The oven will help melt the cheese and further blend all the flavors together. -
Bake the Toast:
Place the assembled open toasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted and is bubbling. -
Serve:
Once the cheese has melted and the toasts are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately while still hot and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor. -
Pair with a Smoothie:
For a well-rounded, high-protein breakfast, serve your Italian Open Toast with a refreshing Mango Tofu Smoothie. This smoothie complements the savory toast perfectly with its light sweetness and creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
Total Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Cholesterol | 35 mg |
This recipe offers a great balance of high-protein ingredients, healthy fats from the olive oil, and fiber from the whole wheat bread, making it a perfect start to your day.
Pro Tip:
If you’re in a hurry, you can also prepare this recipe using a grill or panini press for an even crispier result. Additionally, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy your Italian Open Toast with Grilled Ham, Cheese & Olives as a wholesome breakfast option that’s both quick and satisfying!