Herbed Toast
Herbed Toast is a quick, flavorful appetizer featuring toasted bread topped with a fragrant herb-infused butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for entertaining or a simple snack, it offers a crispy texture combined with fresh herb flavors that appeal to all who enjoy savory bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the margarine, chopped basil, and parsley; mix thoroughly.
- Spread half of the herb-margarine mixture onto each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese on each slice.
- Arrange the bread slices on a nonstick baking sheet, herb-side up.
- Broil until the cheese is golden, about 1 minute.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a hint of lemon zest to the herb-margarine mixture. You can substitute the reduced-calorie margarine with olive oil or butter if desired. If you don’t have Parmesan, try using mozzarella or any hard cheese you enjoy. Ensure to keep an eye on the bread while broiling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Herbed toast makes a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for serving alongside a fresh Greek Salad or as a complement to Mediterranean recipes. It’s also great for brunch, paired with eggs or alongside a Garden Quiche. For a heartier meal, serve it with Mushroom With Garlic Butter for a satisfying combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herbed toast is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any remaining, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the toast in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few seconds to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Toast contains roughly 156 calories, with 13g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian or French bread works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with whole grain, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just adjust the broiling time based on the thickness of the slices to ensure they toast nicely.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make herbed toast vegan, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a similar taste without any animal products.
What herbs can I use besides basil and parsley?
Feel free to get creative with your herb choices! Fresh thyme, oregano, or chives can add delightful flavors to the margarine mixture. You can also use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
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).