Parmesan Toasts
Crispy Parmesan toasts with garlic, ricotta, and herbs offer a flavorful snack or appetizer, perfect for entertaining or a quick, savory treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise and rub the cut sides with the halved garlic clove.
- Cut the bread into 4-inch sections, then into 4 x 1 x 1-inch sticks.
- Broil the bread sticks 5 inches from the heat for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool the bread sticks and store airtight for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives with the ricotta. If you don't have low-fat ricotta, regular ricotta works just as well. For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free bread. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried ones, just use 1/3 of the amount indicated.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan toasts make a great appetizer or snack, perfect for pairing with soups or salads like Aunt Carmen's Pasta Salad. Serve them alongside a charcuterie board or as a crunchy topping for a creamy dip. They can also complement dishes like Eggplant Melanzane Parmigiana, adding a delightful texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover toasts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled toasts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them under the broiler for a minute or two until warmed and crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Toasts contains roughly 164 calories, with 11g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 toasts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread sticks ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed later at room temperature or reheated in the oven for a couple of minutes to refresh their crispness.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a dairy-free option, offering a cheesy taste without the cheese.
How can I add more flavor to these toasts?
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or mix in some lemon zest into the ricotta. You could also experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to suit your taste.
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).