Simple, fast, effective, economical and infinitely adaptable; it's official ! Toasts are the ideal solution for a quick aperitif worthy of the name.
Cold vegetable puree, salmon mousse, or even whipped cheese topped with thin slices of crunchy fruit… The toasts offer an infinite number of possible combinations for an aperitif, and allow for elegant but practical tasting. A friendly way to welcome your guests, without emptying your wallet or spending too much time in the kitchen. Indeed, the principle couldn't be simpler: using a knife, spread your favorite foods on small slices of toasted bread beforehand. Obviously, in the aperitif version, we opt for miniature formats which make tasting easier, when your guests already have a cocktail or a cold drink in hand. On average, you should plan on around 4 to 6 toasts per guest. Bread, being a satiating food, makes it possible to slightly reduce the quantities, compared to other spring appetizer recipes.
A multisensory aperitif
Bright colors, crunchy textures, refreshing flavors and even intoxicating scents… During this spring period, our senses are awakened, thanks to the many seasonal fruits and vegetables. So, we rely on the creaminess of fresh cheeses, which we spread generously on small slices of bread, before covering everything with radishes, strawberries, asparagus, tomatoes, cucumber or even cherries. What do these have in common? Their seductive look whose bright colors will not go unnoticed in the sandwich version. Herbs and spices are also welcome, and help to spice things up. Dill, chili pepper, basil or mint can also be used as decoration on top of our homemade appetizers. To finish, sprinkle everything with a drizzle of lemon juice, olive oil, flavored honey or balsamic vinegar. The final touch that makes you completely addicted!
To read: Quick, recipes for an impromptu aperitif!
A breath of fresh air on the plate
For a feeling of instant freshness, we opt for foods with a high water content. And that’s good, since it’s in the spring that they make their comeback on the shelves. The cucumber, easy to cook, is undoubtedly your faithful ally when it comes to preparing fresh appetizers. On toast, we cut it into thin slices which we carefully layer on a layer of fresh cheese, with a little herbs. With its sublime colored reflections, radishes go hand in hand with foods with a rather mild flavor like butter or cream cheese.
Sweet and savory mixtures
In cooking, sweet and savory combinations are always a hit. So why not do the same for our aperitif toasts? The pronounced salty taste of goat cheese, for example, pairs perfectly with sweet foods like honey or cherries. Complementary combinations both taste and visual.
To be continued: 12 ideas for aperitif toasts that will make your mouth water!
Radish toast and chive butter
© Nicole Gaffney from the Coley cooks blog
Chives add a light, delicate onion flavor.
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Cucumber, herb and labné toast
© Bella from the blog Ful-filled
The different ways of cutting the cucumber allow you to create sandwiches with a stunning look.
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Strawberry and goat cheese toasties
© Ree Drummon from The Pioneer Woman blog
Cover everything with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
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Whipped ricotta and marinated tomato toast
© Tieghan Gerrard from the Half Baked Harvest blog
We sprinkle everything with honey flavored with thyme and lemon juice.
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Prosciutto, asparagus and brie toast
© Tieghan Gerard from the blog Half Baked Harvest
As a final touch, we cover each bite with a spoonful of lightly spiced honey.
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Beef fillet and goat cheese toasties
© Serena from the blog Domesticate me
Serve topped with a small spoonful of chilled pesto.
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Bruschetta toast
© Natasha from Natasha's Kitchen blog
The little extra of this recipe? The melted parmesan hiding under the layer of diced tomatoes.
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Smoked salmon toast and herbed cream cheese
© Katya from the Little broken blog
Don't forget the finely sliced cucumber and radish slices on these smoked salmon toasts.
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Roasted cherry and goat cheese toast
© Joanne from the Olive & Mango blog
We take advantage of the short cherry season to slip this little fruit with burgundy highlights onto our slices of bread.
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Whipped ricotta toast and strawberry jam
© Lindsey from the Lindsey Eats blog
The mild flavor of the ricotta blends perfectly with the pronounced sweet taste of the strawberry.
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Radish and lemon ricotta toast
© Molly from the Vanilla Bean cuisine blog
Your guests will make short work of it.
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Rhubarb toast with honey, ricotta and pistachios
© Trish from the Rhubarbarians blog
Mint leaves bring a subtle touch of freshness.
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