Egg and Cheese Toasts With Salsa

Published May 2, 2025

Egg and Cheese Toasts With Salsa
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(55)
Comments
Read comments

In Mexico, huevos ahogados (“drowned eggs”) typically refers to eggs gently poached in a vibrant salsa. This version flips the idea into a speedy, satisfying breakfast (or weeknight dinner) by layering crisp-edged fried eggs over cheesy, broiled bolillo toasts and smothering them in a bright, spicy tomato salsa. It's a dish built for flexibility: Use just one serrano for a mild sauce or three for serious heat, and swap in Monterey Jack if you can’t find queso Chihuahua. Finished with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s rich, hearty and perfect for sopping up every last bit of salsa.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 4tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
  • ¼ medium white onion, chopped (about ¼ cup)
  • 1 to 3serrano chiles, stemmed and chopped (use 1 seeded serrano for a milder sauce, 3 with seeds for spicy)
  • 2garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1(28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
  • Salt
  • 2bolillos or soft hoagie rolls, halved lengthwise
  • 8ounces queso Chihuahua or Monterey Jack, grated
  • 4large eggs 
  • Chopped cilantro, for serving
  • 1avocado, thinly sliced
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

575 calories; 44 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 22 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 26 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 23 grams protein; 939 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the salsa: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add onion, chiles and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is just beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have started to break down and most of the liquid has evaporated, 7 to 10 minutes. Season with salt.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat the broiler on high and arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Place the 4 bolillo halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and evenly sprinkle with cheese. Broil until the cheese is completely melted and just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes depending on your oven’s broiler.

  3. Step 3

    Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Crack eggs into skillet, leaving space around each one, and cook until whites are set and edges are crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt.

  4. Step 4

    To serve, top each cheese bolillo with a fried egg and cover with salsa. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with avocado alongside.

Ratings

5 out of 5
55 user ratings
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Comments

Absolutely delicious.

Easy and flavorful salsa. Made this open faced with sourdough and while delicious, I imagine the roll called for is easier to eat.

Looking for healthy, vegetarian, flavorful, protein packed, simple, affordable meal for one? This recipe easy for one diner:1 egg, 14-oz can tomatoes, 1 slice bread, etc. Cheese not necessary. A thick slice of whole wheat sourdough toast; jalapeño can be subbed for Serrano. Egg soft-cooked sunny side up. Half avocado atop baby greens or arugula with quick-pickled red onion. Generous with fresh herbs (oregano for salsa; cilantro to finish; garlic) top with sliced scallion and squeeze of lime.

Looking for healthy, vegetarian, flavorful, protein packed, simple, affordable meal for one? This recipe easy for one diner:1 egg, 14-oz can tomatoes, 1 slice bread, etc. Cheese not necessary. A thick slice of whole wheat sourdough toast; jalapeño can be subbed for Serrano. Egg soft-cooked sunny side up. Half avocado atop baby greens or arugula with quick-pickled red onion. Generous with fresh herbs (oregano for salsa; cilantro to finish; garlic) top with sliced scallion and squeeze of lime.

Easy and delicious. I cooked the eggs in the salsa so as not to dirty up another pan.

This is so good! I used Trader Joe's thick and chunky salsa and Cabot shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend, and it was still outstanding and super quick to make.

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