Spicy Crispy Yolk Toast Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Crispy Yolk Toast is a delightful twist on traditional toast, featuring perfectly fried, panko-coated egg yolks with a smoky, spicy butter sauce. This recipe combines creamy labneh, bold spices, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful breakfast or snack that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 4 slices ciabatta
- 4 egg yolks (seasoned and fully coated with panko, chilled for 15-20 minutes)
- Panko (enough to fully coat egg yolks, crushed by hand)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp sumac
- Fresh dill
- Za’atar (to taste)
- 1/4 cup labneh
- 1 small garlic clove
- Squeeze of lemon (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the labneh, grated garlic, a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, sumac, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, honey, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and keep warm on low heat.
- Step 3: Heat some avocado oil in a separate pan. Carefully place the panko-coated egg yolks in the pan, tilting it to pool oil on one side. Fry the yolks for about 15 seconds until golden, spooning the hot oil over them to baste evenly.
- Step 4: Toast the ciabatta slices until crisp and golden. Spread each slice generously with the labneh mixture, sprinkle with za’atar and fresh dill, then drizzle with the spicy butter sauce. Top each toast with a fried yolk and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, crush the panko crumbs by hand to create irregular pieces before coating the yolks.
- Swap the ciabatta for sourdough or a hearty multigrain bread for different textures and flavors.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper and chipotle powder.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be used instead of dill for a different herbal note.
Storage
It’s best to enjoy this toast fresh as fried yolks don’t store well. Leftover spicy butter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and gently reheated. Labneh mixture will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?
Yes, but the cooking time and texture will change. Whole eggs may not crisp up the same way when coated with panko, so the dish will have a different texture and presentation.
What can I substitute for labneh?
If labneh isn’t available, Greek yogurt or thick sour cream are good alternatives that will provide a similar creamy tang.
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Spicy Crispy Yolk Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spicy Crispy Yolk Toast is a flavorful and crunchy breakfast or brunch dish featuring perfectly fried, panko-coated egg yolks served on toasted ciabatta bread with a spiced butter drizzle, labneh spread, and fresh herbs for an exciting twist on a classic toast.
Ingredients
Egg Yolk Coating and Frying
- 4 egg yolks (seasoned and coated with panko)
- Panko breadcrumbs (enough to fully coat yolks and crushed by hand)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp sumac
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Bread and Toppings
- 4 slices ciabatta bread
- 1/4 cup labneh
- 1 small garlic clove (grated)
- Squeeze of lemon (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
- Za’atar (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Labneh Spread: Mix together the labneh, freshly grated garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl until well combined. This will serve as a creamy, tangy base for the toast.
- Make Spicy Butter Mixture: In a pan, melt the butter and add olive oil. Stir in sumac, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, honey, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook gently to combine the flavors, creating a spicy, aromatic butter sauce.
- Fry the Panko-Coated Egg Yolks: Heat some avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the panko-coated egg yolks in the pan and fry them for about 15 seconds until the coating is golden and crispy. While frying, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the yolks with the spicy butter mixture to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
- Toast the Bread and Assemble: Toast the ciabatta slices until golden and crisp. Spread a generous layer of the prepared labneh mixture over each slice. Sprinkle za’atar and fresh dill on top of the labneh. Place the fried spicy yolks on the toast and drizzle with the remaining spicy butter sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the labneh and bread are vegetarian-friendly.
- Egg yolks should be handled carefully to prevent breakage when coating and frying.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper and chipotle powder according to your desired spice level.
- Use fresh herbs like dill to add brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich yolks.
- Serving immediately is recommended to maintain the yolks’ crispiness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Keywords: spicy egg yolk toast, crispy egg yolks, panko coated yolks, labneh toast, za’atar toast, Middle Eastern breakfast, spicy butter sauce

