Serves: 4  Prep Time: 15 minutes  Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

📝 Ingredients

For the Toasts

  • 4 medium baguette halves, ciabatta slices, or thick-cut rustic bread
  • 12–14 oz (340–400 g) cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mediterranean blend, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra browning)

Mediterranean Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp coarse sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Toppings & Garnish

  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (optional, as seen in the image)
  • Additional red pepper flakes
  • Drizzle of olive oil

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange your baguette halves or bread slices on a baking sheet.
  3. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil (and butter if you prefer extra richness).

Tip: Pre-toast the bread for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp. This helps prevent sogginess once the toppings go on.

2. Cook the Peppers (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Heat 1–2 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced red peppers (and onions if using).
  3. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
  4. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and oregano.

This step brings out a sweeter, more Mediterranean flavor.

3. Season the Roast Beef

  1. Place the sliced roast beef in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the Mediterranean seasoning mix over it.
  3. Toss gently to coat the meat evenly.

Optional: Warm the seasoned beef in a skillet for 1–2 minutes for extra tenderness.

4. Assemble the Toasts

  1. Layer seasoned roast beef generously over each piece of bread.
  2. Add sautéed peppers and onions.
  3. Sprinkle your cheese blend—use plenty!
  4. Optionally top with sesame seeds or an extra pinch of herbs.

5. Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 7–10 minutes, or until:
    • Cheese is fully melted
    • Edges of bread are golden and crisp
    • Peppers and beef start to caramelize slightly
  2. Broil for 1 minute at the end for a browned, bubbly finish.

6. Garnish & Serve

Remove toasts from the oven and immediately top with:

  • Fresh chives or parsley
  • Olive oil drizzle
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Extra sesame seeds (optional)

Serve hot!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)

  • Pair with a simple cucumber-tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
  • Serve alongside tahini drizzle, garlic yogurt, or tzatziki.
  • Add a side of roasted olives or marinated artichokes.

🔄 Variations

Mediterranean Pita Version

Use warm pita or flatbread instead of baguette.

Spicy Harissa Twist

Mix 1 tsp harissa paste into the olive oil before brushing the bread.

Cheese Alternatives

  • Halloumi shavings
  • Kasseri
  • Feta crumbles after baking (don’t bake feta)

Vegetarian Option

Replace roast beef with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or roasted chickpeas.