Tomato Toast with Charred Corn Butter

(2)

This tomato toast is a fresh, summery take on a simple classic. Sweet corn kernels are charred until golden and smoky, then blended into butter. Slathered on toasted bread and topped with ripe, juicy tomatoes, this dish is a vibrant combo of sweet, savory and tangy flavors. The corn butter is easy to make ahead and can be kept on hand to add to everything from grilled vegetables to seafood or pasta.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Ingredients and prepared materials for tomato toast with charred corn and butter

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 large ear fresh corn, husked

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives, plus more for garnish

  • 1 small clove garlic, grated (about ¼ teaspoon)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 4 slices whole-wheat country bread, toasted

  • 4 slices heirloom tomato (½-inch thick), halved

  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

  • Ground black pepper for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Cut kernels from husked corn. Use a large chef’s knife to scrape the milk from the corn cob into a small bowl; discard the cob. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels; cook, undisturbed, until starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until most kernels are charred, 5 to 7 minutes more. Transfer to the bowl with the corn milk; set aside to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

    Person cutting kernels off a corn cob into a bowl

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

  2. Add softened butter, sliced chives, grated garlic and ¼ teaspoon salt to the corn mixture; stir to combine.

    A dish of scrambled eggs sprinkled with charred corn and garnished with herbs being served

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

  3. Spread about 2½ tablespoons corn butter over each slice of toast. Arrange halved tomato slices on top of the corn butter. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon flaky salt. Garnish with chives and pepper, if desired.

    A recipe image of Tomato Toast with Charred Corn Butter.

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

To make ahead:

Cover and refrigerate corn butter (Steps 1 and 2) for up to 1 week. Continue with Step 3 just before serving.

Recipe developed by Marianne Williams

EatingWell.com, August 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

297 Calories
22g Fat
21g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 slice toast & about 2½ Tbsp. corn butter
Calories 297
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 5g 11%
Total Fat 22g 29%
Saturated Fat 12g 58%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Vitamin A 160µg
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 13%
Folate 25µg
Vitamin K 9µg
Sodium 414mg 18%
Calcium 62mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 35mg 8%
Potassium 205mg 4%
Zinc 1mg 7%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.