Shakshuka is one of those dishes that never gets old. It’s comforting, rich, and packed with flavor—but the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. 🥄
When I first started making shakshuka regularly, it became my version of a blank canvas. Whether I was cooking solo on a quiet Sunday or whipping up a casual or fancy brunch for friends, it always felt like the kind of dish that made everyone feel at home. But to keep it interesting, I started experimenting—with toppings.
I call it The Topping Method—my simple, go-to way of deciding what to sprinkle on top to make every bowl of shakshuka feel brand new and tailored to how you feel in the moment. It’s all about choosing three elements:
🧀 A cheese – adds some fat and depth
🌿 An herb – brings brightness and freshness
🌶 A spice – for that extra bite
Some of my favorite combos:
🧀 Feta + 🌿 Parsley + 🌶 Harissa
🧀 Parmesan + 🌿 Basil + 🌶 Chili flakes
🧀 Cotija + 🌿 Scallions + 🌶 Jalapeños
Some days I’ll go classic with feta and parsley, other times I’ll lean into something a little bolder—like topping it with spicy jalapeños and a crumble of cotija. The best part? It works with whatever’s in the fridge. No fancy grocery run needed.
Here are some other toppings that are basically a match made in heaven for shakshuka:
- Za’atar
- Sumac
- Nduja
- Pickled Red Onions
- Labneh
- Aleppo Pepper
- Olives
- Tahini
- Lemon Zest
- Chili Crisp
And when I’m really feeling like dressing things up, I treat shakshuka almost like a warm, saucy base for a salad-meets-dip kind of moment.
My final tricks that complete the meal:
- A squeeze of lime at the end opens up the flavors in the sauce
- Avocado, microgreens, cucumber cabbage salad, or arugula give it some extra fiber
- Make sure to serve with a good crusty bread like ciabatta, or sourdough 🥖
It’s not just about flavor—it’s about texture and balance. Creamy avocado or tangy pickled onions? Game-changers. A little crunch from arugula or cabbage salad brings a totally different vibe. And don’t even think about skipping the bread—there’s no better way to scoop up every last bite.
The Topping Method is an easy way to mix things up, match the mood, and play with different flavors without overcomplicating things. You don’t need to overthink it—just grab what you have, sprinkle it on, and dig in. 🔥
What’s your go-to topping trio? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ways to shake up my shakshuka.