You know those days when you want something quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty? Well, my Pesto Chickpea and Squash Toast is exactly that! 🍞✨ It’s like the ultimate mashup of comfort food and fancy café vibes—but you can whip it up in your kitchen in just 15 minutes. Plus, it’s loaded with bold flavors, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil that’ll make you feel like a total kitchen rockstar. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Squash Stew Casserole, here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick & Easy: It’s ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for those “I’m starving, feed me now!” moments.
→ Comfort Meets Fancy: Toast never tasted this good! It’s like a café-style treat you can make in your PJs.
→ Flavor-Packed: From the rich pesto to the creamy mozzarella and hearty casserole, every bite is a flavor explosion.
→ Plant-Based Goodness: No meat, no problem—this dish is fully plant-powered and oh-so-satisfying.
→ Great for Leftovers: Got extra Chickpea & Squash Stew? This recipe is a genius way to repurpose it.
→ Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for impressing friends, family, or just treating yourself like royalty. 👑
What’s not to love, right?
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What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients That Make This Toast a Winner
→ Chickpea & Squash Stew Casserole: The heart of this recipe! It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. If you’ve got leftovers, this is the perfect way to give them a second life.
→ Wholewheat Bread: The base for all the magic. I love the nutty, wholesome vibes it brings, plus it holds up well under all the toppings.
→ Pesto: Oh man, pesto is the MVP here. It adds that bold, herby kick that ties everything together. Store-bought or homemade, it’s always a win!
→ Plant-Based Mozzarella: Creamy, gooey, and oh-so-delicious. It melts perfectly and gives the toast that dreamy texture.
→ Fresh Basil Leaves: Don’t skip this one! A little sprinkle of fresh basil takes the flavors to the next level and makes it look extra fancy. 🌿
These ingredients come together to create a toast that’s simple, satisfying, and seriously crave-worthy!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 15 mins
1| First things first, warm up that tasty Chickpea & Squash Stew Casserole—it’s about to shine again! 🥳
2| Now grab your toasted slices of wholewheat bread. Spread a good dollop (about a tablespoon) of pesto on each one—don’t be shy, pesto is the MVP here.
3| Pile on the warm casserole, letting all those cozy flavors soak into the toast. Top it off with some torn mozzarella (make it look fancy with those chunks!) and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for that perfect finishing touch.
Boom! Easy, delicious, and done in 15 minutes flat. Enjoy! 🌿
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Recipe Swaps
- Bread Swap: No wholewheat bread? Use sourdough, rye, or even a bagel for a fun twist!
- Cheese Swap: If you’re not plant-based, regular mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan works beautifully.
- Pesto Swap: Switch it up with sun-dried tomato pesto, vegan red pepper pesto, or a creamy avocado spread for a new flavor profile.
- Casserole Swap: Don’t have Chickpea & Squash Stew? Try a lentil-based stew, roasted veggies, or even a chunky marinara sauce.
- Herb Swap: No fresh basil? Use parsley, cilantro, or even arugula for a peppery kick.
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Creative Tweaks
- Add Protein: Top your toast with crispy chickpeas, roasted tofu, or a poached egg for an extra protein boost.
- Make it Spicy: Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes, drizzle with chili oil, or use a spicy pesto for a fiery kick. 🌶️
- Add Crunch: Toss some toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crushed walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of honey for that sweet-savory combo that’s totally drool-worthy.
- Mini Version: Turn this into bite-sized crostini for a fun appetizer or party snack!
Experiment away—there are so many ways to make this recipe your own! 🎉
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Helpful Tips for Success
1| Toast Like a Pro: For perfectly crispy bread, use a toaster or grill pan. If you’re feeling fancy, rub the toast with a clove of garlic for an extra flavor boost. 🧄
2| Warm it Up Gently: When reheating the casserole, use low heat to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or stock can help keep it nice and saucy.
3| Layer Smart: Spread the pesto evenly so it soaks into the toast and holds everything together. It’s the glue that makes each bite magical! 🌿
4| Melting Mozzarella: Want gooey, melty cheese? Pop the assembled toast under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! 🔥
5| Prep Ahead: Chop the basil, tear the mozzarella, and toast the bread in advance if you’re short on time. Assembly will be a breeze!
6| Keep It Fresh: Garnish with fresh basil leaves right before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
These little tips can take your toast from good to totally unforgettable! 😊
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Serving Ideas
1| Light Lunch: Pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh and balanced meal. 🥗
2| Brunch Star: Serve alongside a fruit salad or a refreshing smoothie for a crowd-pleasing brunch spread. 🍹
3| Appetizer Twist: Cut the toast into smaller pieces and serve as finger food for parties or gatherings. Perfect for dipping into extra pesto! 🌟
4| Soup Companion: Serve it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or hearty lentil stew for a cozy, comforting dinner. 🍲
5| Family-Style Platter: Stack the toasts on a large platter, garnish with extra basil, and let everyone dig in. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort!
6| Picnic Ready: Pack these up for a picnic or road trip—they’re easy to assemble and taste great even at room temp. 🌞
These serving ideas make this recipe even more versatile and fun to share!
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Storage Options
1| Leftover Toast: Unfortunately, toasted bread doesn’t store well—best eaten fresh! But, if you’ve got extra assembled toasts, pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat gently in a pan to keep the crunch.
2| Pesto: Store leftover pesto in a jar or container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. It’ll keep in the fridge for about a week.
3| Chickpea & Squash Stew: If you have extra casserole, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just reheat when you’re ready to use!
4| Plant-Based Mozzarella: Keep any unused mozzarella in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. It should last about 5-7 days.
5| Fresh Basil: Wrap basil in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze basil leaves in ice cube trays with olive oil for easy future use. 🌿
Storing components separately helps keep everything fresh and ready for your next delicious toast!
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Final Thoughts
And just like that, you’ve got a plate of next-level toast magic! 🎉 Whether it’s a quick lunch, a snack, or even a casual dinner, this recipe’s got you covered. Trust me, the combo of pesto, creamy mozzarella, and that Chickpea & Squash Stew is a total flavor bomb. If you try it out, drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your creations. Now go enjoy your masterpiece—bonus points if you eat it with your hands! 😄
Recipe Card
Pesto Chickpea and Squash Toast
Need a fast and flavorful bite? My Pesto Chickpea and Squash Toast is a 15-minute wonder! 🌟 Crunchy toast, savory pesto, and gooey mozzarella—this plant-based treat is pure deliciousness. 🥳
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1:
Reheat the Chickpea & Squash Stew Casserole. Get the recipe, here.
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Step 2:
Spread each slice of toast with 1 tablespoon of pesto, top with the reheated casserole, and finish with torn mozzarella and basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 383kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Total Carbohydrate 36g12%
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chickpea & Squash Stew Casserole - Get the recipe, here.
