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Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds

This vibrant tomato toast with chives and sesame seeds is a sophisticated take on a classic snack, making it a perfect light lunch or a quick evening starter. The combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes and a punchy garlic mayonnaise provides a savoury base that feels both indulgent and fresh. Using crusty country-style bread ensures a sturdy foundation for the toppings, while the addition of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful nutty crunch to every bite.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, it can be easily adapted to suit your taste, perhaps by adding a poached egg or a few leaves of rocket for extra texture. The zingy lemon zest and a hint of Aleppo-style pepper provide a gentle heat and brightness that balances the richness of the mayo. It is an ideal way to celebrate peak-season British tomatoes when they are at their most flavourful.

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Ingredients for Tomato Toast with Chives and Sesame Seeds

  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated

  • 80g mayonnaise

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/2 lemon

  • 4 3/4"-thick slices country-style bread, toasted

  • 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Aleppo-style pepper (for serving

  • optional)

  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Mix garlic and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Squeeze about 1 teaspoon juice from lemon half into bowl; season with kosher salt. Hang on to lemon.

Spread a generous layer of seasoned mayonnaise over toast; shingle a few tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with chives, sesame seeds, sea salt, black pepper, and Aleppo-style pepper. Finely grate some lemon zest from reserved lemon over and drizzle with some oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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