The word 'toast' is succinct, straight-to-the-point, and clear-cut, much like the words 'crisp' or 'cherry fudge waffle'. However, toast is also a versatile blank canvas, full of possibilities -- the ideal toast likely looks different in everyone's head. Lightly golden or nearly burnt? Simple bread-and-butter action or a gold-dusted caviar-topped masterpiece? Toast can be anything.
Beyond what you choose to paint it with, the experience and personality of toast can also completely change with the type of bread itself. My personal favorite to use is always sourdough or dark rye -- but oftentimes, life calls for a nice, thick slice of a store-bought loaf of regular bread. In times of need for a quick meal and I have a bunch of random leftovers, toast is a reliable base to lean upon to whip up something coherent.
With that, here are a few of the countless ways I've tried toast so far! I usually make many of these as open-faced toasts, but honestly, every combination can be made in a mouthwatering sandwich or crispy panini form. Instead of using a toaster, I drizzle a bit of olive oil in a frying pan and slap a piece of bread on it so that I can control and vary the toasting process -- it also ends up being less dry, maintaining a chewier, bread-y inside while creating a crisp, crunchy crust. Also, feel free to pop the whole thing in an air fryer for a few minutes and let it work its magic. The beauty of toast is that anything works!
The Sweet
Honey, Walnut, & Brie toast
Any toasted nut variety works, but this sweet and nutty combo can't be beaten. Drizzle some honey on the toast before laying some brie or Havarti on top, and sprinkle some nuts before toasting in the air fryer or oven.
Nutty Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Spread toast
In a small bowl, mix together greek yogurt, nut butter of choice (peanut, almond, etc.), cinnamon, and honey until combined. Spread that on your toast and add your favorite fruit topping! Yummers.
Milk & Honey Eggless French toast
A super simple pairing that's perfect for a quick and sweet breakfast or snack. Spread some honey on bread and toast on a pan. While toasting, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and evenly drizzle a spoonful of milk of choice on top and toast until golden brown!
The Savory
Avocado + smoked salmon + tzatziki toast + Everything Bagel Seasoning
The smoked salmon brings the perfect flavor to the creamy mildness of avocado, and adding cucumber tzatziki brings a lovely refreshing crunch.
Turkish Eggs toast
Spread a dollop of nonfat plain greek yogurt on the toast, drizzle olive oil on top, add a poached or boiled egg, and finish with pepper, garlic salt, and/or red chili flakes! Pure perfection.
Cheesy Tofu Scramble toast
You can use eggs or tofu for this one, but scramble the protein of choice in a pan with paprika, cumin powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add cheese of choice and melt, then serve over toasted bread!
The Sweet & Savory
Cheesy kimchi + honey toast
An open-faced toast version of a grilled kimchi cheese sandwich! Spread a bit of honey on the toast underneath the cheese for a slightly sweet addition.
Turkey + tomato jam + mozzarella + arugula toast
I tried this combo in an airport before -- it was absolutely life-changing. Spread fig jam or tomato jam on toast, add turkey and mozzarella, and then pop it in the air fryer. After cheese melts, place arugula on top!
Apple + brie or Havarti cheese toast
Definitely has to be a mild, creamy cheese to pair well with apples, and feel free to spice the apples up with cinnamon and honey.
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