Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices hearty bread (whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free)
- ½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium cucumber (English, Persian, or regular), thinly sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: ½ teaspoon za’atar spice blend
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill) for garnish
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Toast the Bread – Place bread slices in toaster, toaster oven, or under broiler. Toast until golden brown and lightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes depending on your method. For oven toasting, use 375°F for 4-5 minutes per side. The bread should be golden with a slight crunch but not hard or burnt. You want it sturdy enough to support toppings without getting soggy!
- Prepare the Cucumber – While bread toasts, wash cucumber thoroughly. If using English or Persian cucumbers, you don’t need to peel them (the skin is thin and tasty). If using regular cucumber with thick, waxy skin, peel it or do “zebra stripes” (peel strips leaving some skin for color). Using a sharp knife, slice cucumber as thinly as possible – about ⅛ inch thick. Thin slices are key for easy eating and pretty presentation! If cucumber has large seeds, you can scoop them out with a spoon.
- Spread the Hummus – Once bread is toasted, generously spread hummus over each slice while toast is still warm. Use about ¼ cup per piece of toast, spreading all the way to the edges. Create a thick, even layer – don’t be stingy! The hummus should be substantial enough to be the star. Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula for smooth spreading. You can create decorative swirls in the hummus if desired!
- Arrange the Cucumber – Artfully arrange cucumber slices over the hummus. You can overlap them in neat rows (like shingles), create a pretty fan pattern, or scatter them naturally. Make sure every bite will have cucumber! If slices are small, overlap generously. If using cherry tomatoes, nestle them between cucumber slices for pops of color.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil – Drizzle good quality extra virgin olive oil over the cucumbers and hummus – about ½-1 teaspoon per toast. This is traditional and adds richness plus authentic Mediterranean flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Season Generously – Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over everything. The salt is crucial – it brings out the flavors and adds delicate crunch. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat and/or a sprinkle of za’atar for authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
- Add Optional Garnishes – If using fresh herbs, tear or chop them and scatter over the top. Fresh parsley, mint, or dill are all traditional and delicious. Add any other optional toppings you’re using (feta, microgreens, etc.).
- Serve Immediately – Transfer to a pretty plate and serve right away. These toasts are best eaten within 10-15 minutes while the bread is still crispy and the cucumbers are cold and crunchy. The contrast of warm toast with cool cucumber and creamy hummus is perfection!
- Enjoy – Eat with a fork and knife for neater eating, or pick up carefully and enjoy. The combination of creamy, crunchy, fresh, and toasted is absolutely delicious!
Notes
- Hummus Choice: Any flavor hummus works! Try roasted garlic, roasted red pepper, or lemon.
- Cucumber Prep: Thin slices are key – use your sharpest knife or a mandoline for even slices.
- Timing: Assemble just before eating to keep toast crispy and cucumbers cold and crunchy.
- Bread Choice: Sturdy bread is important – it needs to support creamy hummus and cucumber weight.
- Make it Vegan: Recipe is already vegan! Skip feta if using that optional topping.
- Storage: Components store separately well, but don’t assemble ahead – toast gets soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg