Gussied-Up Melba Toast
Gussied-up Melba Toast offers crisp, flavorful bites with herbes, spices, and optional cheese or sesame seeds, perfect as an elegant appetizer or snack for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. softened butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. mixed dried herbs, crumbled fine (basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, marjoram) ⓘ
- pinch of curry powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 small clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated Parmesan or 1 tsp. sesame seed (optional) ⓘ
- 15 to 18 slices sandwich bread ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except bread to make the butter mixture.
- Spread the butter mixture thinly on each bread slice.
- Cut the buttered slices diagonally into quarters.
- Place the buttered pieces on a cookie sheet.
- Dry in a slow oven at the lowest possible temperature until completely crisp, about 1 1/2 hours at 250°F.
- Alternatively, dry at low power in a microwave, adjusting times as needed.
- Refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container.
- Warmed for a few minutes at 150°F just before serving, if desired.
- Refrigerate or freeze any remaining butter mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a herbaceous twist, consider substituting the dried herbs with fresh ones if available; use three times the amount. If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the curry powder slightly. To save time, you can use store-bought garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Ensure the butter mixture is spread evenly for consistent crispiness. Pair with dips like Sour Cream Sauce for an elevated experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Gussied-Up Melba Toasts make a delightful appetizer or snack. Serve them alongside a cheese platter or with dips such as hummus or guacamole. They also pair beautifully with a charcuterie board or can be used as a crunchy topping for soups and salads. For a sweet twist, try them with Chocolate Or Fruit Delight as a dessert alternative.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Melba toast in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigerating. If you've made extra butter mixture, it can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for longer storage. When ready to use, simply bring it to room temperature before spreading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gussied-Up Melba Toast contains roughly 3636 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 395g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Melba toasts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Melba toasts in advance and store them in an airtight container. They remain crisp for about a week at room temperature. If you want to make the butter mixture ahead of time, it can be refrigerated or frozen, allowing for easy preparation when needed.
What type of bread works best for Melba toast?
While sandwich bread is commonly used, you can experiment with other types like whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free options to suit your taste. Ensure the bread is sliced evenly for uniform drying. Thinner slices will result in crisper toast.
How can I enhance the flavor of the butter mixture?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness. You may also experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or feta, in place of Parmesan. Adjust the spices to your preference, ensuring a balance that complements the toast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).