Let’s explore TOAST!!!
Toast feels all at once completely childish and utterly adult.
Toast was the first thing I learned how to make for myself in the kitchen. Actually… false. I first learned how to teeter on our old kitchen stool to reach for the box of Cinnamon Life cereal, dig for milk in the fridge, find the canister of brown sugar in the bottom left shelf, and slap it all together in a bowl.
Toast was the second thing I learned how to make. Toast with cinnamon and sugar. Toast with peanut butter and jelly. Toast with butter and relish when I was feeling strange. In my kid-brain of chores, allowance, homework, be-nice-to-your-sister, and no-singing-at-the-dinner-table… a piece of dry toast felt like something I could control and explore.
When I eat toast as an adult, I always think back to my kid-brain. Toasted bread is a blank slate. I can pile it high with sardines and lemon juice, and stand in my kitchen trying to convince my cat that I’m eating people food… not cat food. Sure, I know how to roast a chicken, make a salad, and drink wine out of a proper glass, but sometimes it’s just nice to eat toasted bread, topped with whatever I dang please, and drink wine out of a mason jar. I’m grown. Thank heavens toast can be dinner.
We’re exploring toast this week. Let’s get into this blank slate. Let’s smash avocados, and mix our own cinnamon sugar. There might also be Nutella and sprinkles. It’s a week full of toast. Get into it!
Today we’re talking about baguette toast. I like baguettes that are gnarly-crunchy on the outside and tender and light in the center. I cut this baguette into quarters, drizzled each piece lightly with olive oil and toasted them under the broiler. Then… game on!
Salted Butter and Radish toast is crunchy, salty, spicy, and divine. It’s so simple!
There’s a trick when it comes to simple toast: quality ingredients. When there are so few ingredients, it’s nice to use the good stuff. Fancy salted butter and grey sea salt are some of my favorite ways to treat myself… that’s weird and true.
I also dug a bottle of Profumo del Chianti out of the spice rack for this toast. It’s a super finely ground Italian spice and salt mixture. It’s pretty major.
Toast with two ingredients.
Sliced Ham and Salted Butter is simple and satisfying. Also, if you’re wondering… yes, butter is good on everything.
If you’re thinking of adding tomato slices of mustard there’s really no need. Let this toast live in its simplicity.
Toast without butter. Toast with garlic.
This Herb and Garlic-Rubbed Toast isn’t as in-your-face as traditional garlic bread. It’s more refined. Fresh garlic is sliced in half and rubbed on the toasted baguette. Salt and pepper are added, along with freshly chopped parsley.
I’d pair this toast with a major (though classy) amount of red wine.
This is one of the divine toasts of all time. Oooh Smashed Avocado Toast with Lemon. This toast tastes is creamy and indulgent. Stack and smash the avocado as high as possible. Lemon and salt are bright essentials. It’s California on bread.
Soften your butter and take out your fancy salt. It’s toast time!!
xo joy
On Toast: Baguette
From Top Right, Clockwise.
Herb and Garlic-Rubbed Toast
Drizzle sliced baguette with olive oil and toast under a broiler. Slice a large clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side down across the toasted baguette. Sprinkle with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley.
Sliced Ham and Salted Butter Toast
Slather a toasted and slightly cooled baguette with salted butter. Top with thinnly sliced ham.
Salted Butter and Radish Toast
Slather a toasted and slightly cooled baguette with salted butter. Top with thinnly sliced radishes and Profumo del Chianti (or coarse ground sea salt).
Smashed Avocado Toast with Lemon
Smash ripe avocado onto toasted baguette. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with coarse ground sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
Alyssa Rae
i *love* avocado salted on toast SO much. it’s my favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack. i’ll have to try some of that fancy gray salt soon!
Jean Beck
The fact that you discussed toast without me is just so wrong. First of all I will say that the state of restaurant toast in America is clearly shameful. To me, warmed bread is not toast and I am not even convinced that light toast should qualify as toast. Their is a color and therefore crispness barrier which must be crossed to attain the true greatness that is toast. Somehow the art of taosting bread (yes, I said art) improves even ordinary bread. Oh, but to toast great bread, elevates it to something close to ethereal. Adding a lovely nugget of butter, along with a sprinkling of salt is a wondrous thing. I have two nephews and a niece who grew up in a toasterless home. I remember once playing a game with them when their mother asked if any of them wanted toast, as she was making some in the toaster oven for their dad. Their excited reply was amazing. We all have moments when we wonder whether a person close to us understands us at all. And then there are those moments when you see how deep the connection can sometimes be. It doesn’t really surprise me that for me one of those times happened over toast.
Allison @ thebakingyear
NOTHING is quite as delicious as a good baguette. I typically stick with a semi traditional tomato and mozzarella combo…but will definitely be trying these soon!!!
Ada
Baguette+butter+radish was my FAVOURITE snack as a kid. It still is. Amazingly simple and delicious.
Gem
I’m quite a big fan of toast anyway, but this post is amazing! Definitely inspired me to try out different kinds of toasted treats. Fantastic photography too.
The Kitchen Boudoir
“It’s California on bread” – love that. I had some avocado toast the other day and I can vouch for its creamy deliciousness. I can also vouch for its NOT being “Toronto on bread.” :)
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
I adore the simplicity and versatility of baguette toast. These would be perfect for lunch and make the workday seem that much brighter. Thanks for shedding new light on this classic staple.
Chineka @ Savor the Baking
this would make a great sandwuch for lunch. Thanks for sharing.
Sara
Just when I think I can’t love you more….you go and post something like this, and I love you more!!
Charlotte
Smashed avocado on toast for the win! That was a lot of meals for college-me. Seriously, it can be breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Antonia Rapheal
Yum! There goes my low carb diet! A baguette never looked so good! :)
Antonia Rapheal
Yum! There goes my low carb diet! A baguette never looked so good before! :)
Katrine
I am fully prepared to live within your blog from now on. Toast with creamy French cheese or tons of mashed avocado with cottage cheese, sea salt and provencal herbs, ohhh.
Caley
Sounds absolutely perfect for any day at any time.
Tracy
I love this so much!
Catarina
Oh dear, it’s such a long time since I last ate toast in some way… Maybe because it was the only thing I had for breakfast during many years as a little kiddo. I don’t know. But what I do know is that there are some avocados in the kitchen waiting to be smashed onto some toasted sourdough bread (due to lack of baugette atm). Mhm, got an idea for an upcoming breakfast..
Lauren {Rustic Honey}
TOAST is one of my breakfast staples… well maybe a staple in my kitchen morning, noon or night. My husband would rather eat a piece of plain ole bread… but me? I WANT IT TOASTED! I’m so happy to see you are also passionate about your toast! There is something so comforting about warm, crispy bread, made for dippin’… besides, even stale bread makes for good toast! Thanks for the ideas above!
3girls1apple
Toast, toast and more toast! Big ideas for simple foods! Great stuff! Thank you for sharing…can’t wait to try them out in the kitchen!
3girls1apple.com
Jen
I have broiler phobia, but it may be time to get over it and stick a baquette in the oven. All of those sammies look delicious!
Christine @ 24 Carrot Kitchen
You are so right about toast. The recipes look great and I think I will try the avocado.
There is something just about the smell of toast cooking as you enter the kitchen. It’s wonderful. It’s simple, yet delicious with even just butter and jam. A classic.
Thanks for the awesome post!
jen
So easy to make and so delicious!!
Kait
Real talk: The best sandwich I’ve ever eaten was 2 pieces of butter loaded garlic bread with some ham in the middle. It was heaven.
Malgosia
Mmmmm toast
Mother of Pearl
Toast is so underrated – it is so lovely and comforting. A nice piece of toast can go a long way to putting everything right.
Sarah | The Cyclist's Wife
Love the white background on these photos!
Dee
NUTELLA AND SPRINKLES? Count me in (:
Shauna
If I could, I would totally live on baguettes. Just let me pile it high with some VA ham and coarse ground mustard, and I’m a happy girl. I don’t need much else in life!
On the other hand, it is terrific to try new things. When we were in AZ for the holidays, the hubby and I scored a babysitter and took his parents, sister, and bro-in-law out to this amazingly fantastic place called Postino’s (www.postinowinecafe.com). The sis recommended it and I was skeptical, but trust me, it was so worth it! They crank out unbelievable bruschetta like there’s no tomorrow, and they have a fab wine selection to boot. My favorite item was a huge bruschetta with figs, marscapone, and prosciutto. When we made it back to VA, I tried to recreate it with a toasted baguette, a killer local apple-fig chutney, some creamy goat cheese, and super-thin prosciutto. Paired with an in-yo-face Rioja, and I was in heaven. New things can be good for you!
Bee @ deux dilettantes
Looks so good. I’m a big fan of the avocado/bread combo but my all-time favorite is toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomato and chives and then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar – bruschetta style! Classic but always a winner!
Rachael @ Set the Table
This is just plain perfect. The idea of focusing on all the wonderful things one can do with toast is fab. I love toast- avocado with toast was one of my favorite pregnancy snacks but I’d eat it with little toast soldiers with garlic rubbed on them. Dipping those babies in smashed avocado with salt, pepper and lemon juice is completely divine. Looking forward to your next toast post! (cool. that rhymed.)
Nicole
I adore toast with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt!
Jenny
This looks delicious!! Your ingredients look super fresh too. That avocado looks perfectly ripe no ugly brown spots. Baguettes are great but are not good next day so its hard when I’m the only one eating this 2 foot long thing.
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
You brilliant carb-lover! I also learned to make toast first. I used to do toast with liver sausage and mayo or toast with sour cream and pickles. I know, kid brain! These things were soooo good to me. I haven’t eaten them since I was like 10, maybe. I love all things on toast and can’t wait to try some of these.
Izy
Umm, I’m so into this, toast = life.
My favourites topping combos:
– pecan butter, maple syrup, maldon salt
– coconut or almond butter, cinnamon, maple syrup and maldon (like upgraded cinnamon sugar toast)
– cashew butter, honey and banana
– cream cheese and poppy seeds (for when there are no bagels around :/ )
-almond butter, toasted coconut and dark brown sugar
– salted butter and Nutella (Espesh on crumpets…it’s majorly indulgent, hello pockets of melted chocolate heaven)
I think you can spot the pattern of my layering ideas…
Cara
I love toast so much! It’s interestingly becoming very hip in the SF Bay Area. Avocado, butter and salt on toast is one of my favorite foods. I’m stoked for toast week!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
i have never before craved a baguette so strongly. ever. beautiful images too – i’m loving the bright white!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
i have never before craved a baguette so strongly in my entire life. beautiful photos too – i’m loving the bright white!
Breannas
What kind of butter do you use?
joythebaker
I used Plugra, but any salted butter will do the trick.
gracekelle at leangirlsclub
I love toast, but I hate when it’s so hard it cuts the roof of my mouth. #IsItJustMe ?
Dionna @ Le Fork
I pretty much live by avocado toast. I also (and I know this is going to sound SO weird/gross), put a thin layer of cottage cheese on toast with a little bit of hot sauce like Sriracha. I swear it’s good! Only if you like cottage cheese though
Toni in Oregon
I LOVE toast! Comfort food for me! And I also like crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle artisan breads. I’m sure you’ve heard the toast song. Too fun! Anyway, even on my dying day, I will be asking for toast!
Kristina
Give me that ham and butter toast right now. Please.
Kezia
I adore toast – most of the time just plain, with good salted butter, maybe a dollop of peanut butter. You’ve inspired me to try different things:)
xq
ooh how pretty!! adore baguettes, want to eat them all day, every day.
Jenny Williams
I adore toast. How come it never gets old? I think you answered that question, actually. It’s simplicity makes it perfect. Whenever I have a sore throat, I love toast with butter, honey, and cinnamon. It is so soothing and delicious. I love your suggestions! Radishes and butter is sounding especially tasty right now.
Katy @KatysKitchen
Love it. Toast has so many variations and its perfect for a Monday night dinner…or any night dinner, especially when you’ve spent the day in the kitchen, baking away, and washing dishes! Hardly any dishes with toast ;)
Lindsey
these photos are beautiful; they remind me of spring, and sunlight. love you choice of toppings as well.
Laura
What a great idea! a whole week devoted to toast. As I am newly pregnant my diet is comprised of mostly toast. Perfect timing on your part!
kristonlion
hmmmmm… which to eat first! Thanks again Joy!
Henna
Hi Joy! I’ve been one of those readers who just lurks around and never really posts anything, but today I finally got your cookbook and I have to tell you I am blown away! I was already expecting it to be awesome, but this is even more awesomesauce than I ever imagined! Good job girlfriend!
Anne
Tons of readers are already saying this, but I’m gonna add my two cents worth. Love the pictures. As for your fancy toast, it feels like I’m going on some French picnic with all these options.
Sara
I’m seriously LOVING this post – the pictures, recipes, everything!
Julia
I really need to get over my whole radish aversion!
Lady Jennie
there’s also toast with butter and camembert (or brie)
toast with butter and gruyère
toast with butter and smoked salmon with lemon sprinkled over the top
toast with butter and creamy honey
toast with fig jam and foie gras
toast with cream cheese and caviar
toast with cream cheese and cucumbers
What? I like toast. ;-)
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
I love toast, and lately have been obsessed with baguette toast. My dinner last night was avocado toast! I like adding red pepper flakes for a kick.
Penny
Have I told you haw much I adore you and your blog? NOOOO – big mistake on my part – just seeing an e-mail from you makes my day.
Your devoted fan (OK, I know I am just one of many but it still feels fun to write that).
Penny
p.s. Love the font also – what a difference it makes…
addie | culicurious
I always toast my bread too! Thanks for all the simple yet amazing ideas :)
jess
gorge. beautiful photos, lady! can’t wait to get to the Nutella part. :)
Kait | when we wander
I’m so into this!! I may be in my 20s and I may know how to use the kitchen, but still to this day, when I go back to my parents, a peanut butter and jelly on toast is the first thing I make. I’m totally okay with being grown and still using my kid brain.
Xochi
I love this. :)
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
I have good memories as a kid preparing my all time fav toast dish. A piece of toast with some baked beans on top and cheese, stuck under the broiler until all bubbly…we called it cheese beano’s. No idea why but who cares it was tasty! Love the super sharp pics.
Zulejka
This looks wonderful! I loved the simplicity of these ideas, I’m sooo trying the avocado and the radish toast. Simple, healthy, indulgent and beautiful. That’s all you need, in my book:)
Jenna
What a coincidence. I made a really nice toastie yesterday. Baguette with oilive oil, whiskey-infused cheese and cherry fennel preserves. Beautiful. These look great Joy, keep it comin’!
Kris
ooh delicious!!! I have my own version which I call “decadent” toast… it’ is on a white toast some blue cheese and apricot jam on top… it is HEAVENLY… very naughty, not the most calorie friendly, but that and a steaming hot cup of coffee… THAT’s what Sunday mornings are made of….
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
There’s nothing better than toast! Love how light and bright your photos are!
Little Kitchie
Avocado toast is my first and true love, but I’ve been cheating on it with butter and radish toast for a while now. I’m a fifth grade teacher, and my class planted a garden this year and we are OVERFLOWING with radishes. No complaints here!
Maddy
Yum! Love the pictures that went along with this post. Also made me think about my trip to Barcelona and all the toast with tomatoes that we ate there. What a treat.
Molly
I’ve lived in CA for a whole year and have yet to try avocado toast! It’s time to make the toast.
Kasey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEo9rFhFT8E
Yeah Toast! Your post made me think of this Heywood Banks song.
Tori
I love toast! I know they say you shouldn’t have carbs after 9pm, but I can’t really go to bed unless I’ve had a piece of toast with salted butter. It’s my nighttime ritual and it makes me happy. Sourdough is my favorite, but I’ll also take a baguette any day of the week.
Jim
Thanks. My mother used to make radish on Wonder bread toast sandwiches, butter and salt. Somtimes we’d be lucky enough to have the long white icicle radishes. Loved ’em both. Nice. Thanks again.
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
you know how to work that baguette Joy :) I need to indulge in that avocado toast- yum yum yum. I love how the pictures are clear and crisp in this post. you rock
Emily Stone
Your photos are works of art! Good going, Joy.
Sarah
Oh man oh man, I am currently sitting in the kitchen of my apartment here in Italy where I am studying abroad (I know, I know, I am ridiculously blessed) and the picture of avocado on toast is making me drool. I am from California and since being here I can unabashedly say that California wins at the avocado game. So good!!!! Thanks for reminding me of what I have to look forward when I have to leave this magical land of wine and pasta :)
Lisa
I love toast…after seeing the move Toast I needed to buy salted butter as he described the salted butter melting onto the toast well it was pure comfort food at it’s finest and a lovely movie at that!
Katie @ Oh Shine On
you, girlfriend, are speaking my language.
Winter
Great–now I need a baguette and I’m stuck at work! Thanks a lot, Joy! :)
Bev @ Bev Cooks
toast for daaaaays. i’m in.
bakerkat
I Love Toast too. The pictures are wonderful and make the food look great.
Kaitlin
there is nothing better than toast! beautiful photos.
Elizabeth
I. LOVE. Toast, too. it seems like any kind of fresh bread is better the next day as toast. Yum- looking forward to this week!
Lauren
Loving the ham and salted butter toast…totes makes me think of the sandwiches my exchange family made me while in Germany.
erin @hooleywithaz
i think these are my favorite images of yours to date. no joking. i’m fresh off an avocado/goat cheese toast kick, and this is re-inspiring me to get back on the toast wagon!
Ali D.
This just made my entire day. So simple, but clearly, so loved by all of us. Never failing to do great things, Ms. Wilson!
Sini
Toast week! Sometimes nothing compares to a perfect toast. Butter and radish? Yes, absolutely. Smashed avocado? YES!
Oh this will be a good week.
Meli (Blush + Jelly)
This is beyond amazing! I could eat bread all day – and now even more with these fancy and simple toast ideas. Someone bring me a baguette!
BWL @ Better with Lemon
Here’s my favorite: Toast with salter butter and honey, topped with a slice of salty cheese, like halloumi cheese. It’s amazing.
Amy
Hi – I included a YouTube link in my previous comment, so I think it may have gotten trashed. I had said first that toast and avocado is my life and then I mentioned that your week of toast has a theme song. Search “Toast , by Heywood Banks” on YouTube. I think you’ll like it! Yeah, toast!!
Stefanía
Beautiful post! I love toast, so simple yet always so good!
Amy
toast and avocado is my life. Did you know that your week has a theme song? “toast” by Heywood Banks :http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YogMg_I0ZV4. If you don’t want to click on the link, you should find it on YouTube yourself. I think you will like it! Yeah, toast!
Emma
Loving your toast photo stylings! Looks so sharp on white.
This girl’s having toast for dinner.
Kim
I love toast too! My fave is toast smeared with pesto (store-bought is a-ok!) and topped with avocado and coarse salt. http://www.loveumadly.com/2012/08/not-exactly-a-cold-not-exactly-a-remedy/
Paula
Oh, I am into it, Joy. I am into it.
There’s this really cool book called “Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human”, and in it the author talks about why warm bread has such universal appeal. It’s a tasty thing to consider.
Richard
Hey! How do you make a baguette? Can’t make toast without the bread. I loved the baguettes in Paris and everyone is walking home with a loaf under their arms.
joythebaker
Google it or head to a bakery!
The slow pace
Ok, this is serious. I have to try that avocado toast. I’ve already listened wonders about avocado + sea salt + bread… but you got me with this post.
I know what I’ll have for dinner tonight :)
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats
Joy, I d believe you re the only person on the planet who can make toast sound so indulgent and magical. Thank you for making me smile this Monday morning :)
Marisa
Joy you’ve done it again, I love toast and expressed this to my kids just this weekend…made toast on Saturday morning with butter yesterday morning my dad brought over two freshly baked rye breads , my son an I made toast and had it for breakfast. Love the pics can’t wait to see and learn more. Toast for me is comfort and lately is what I need ….TY
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are}
I love that you did this. Toast is such a simple pleasure, isn’t it? One of my most favorite TREATS is any kind of artisan bread buttered and salted first, then toasted. It comes out to golden perfection and is SO decadent. Thanks for the reminder and the new ideas for toppers too! Toast and wine for dinner it is!!
Jayne
sO BEAUTIFUL! toast, bread, sammiches… i can have them anyday, all day. love simplicity because a good bread doesn’t need too much to bring out it’s wonderful flavours. i need to learn how to eat radishes, just so i can make these.
Joy
I LOVE toast…anything hard, crispy and dry is right up my alley. :) I love the pictures….so clean and crisp (pun intended).
Sarah
Ahh it’s only 8am here in the UK and this has made my mouth water! I love baguettes :)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
The possibility of pilling on toasts are endless. Perfect finger food!!
Jen
Toast makes me think of Spain-the most available option for us breakfast eaters! Radishes and butter are inspired! Yum, yum, and yum!
Ellen
Toast is one of the most perfect foods in earth. The radish version sounds fantastic!
Sarah
Toast is my life! I could live forever and ever amen eating nothing but various things on toast and be happy as a clam. The lighting in these photos is really fantastic, I’d love to know what you used – is it all natural light? Did you use a reflector? Tell me your seeeecrets…please!
Holiday Baker Man
Oh yes… toast with cinnamon & sugar. Icing sugar is best! Great post!
Kim@Soliloquy Of Food & Such
I love a baguette, especially when you can get one hot out of the bakery’s oven & the intoxicating aroma seeps into your car’s upholstery on the way home (d.i.y. pet odor remover).
All the toasty options to choose from….
Elizabeth
Ham and butter on a baguette is perfection! My host mom packed it for my lunch in Spain, and it was the highlight of my afternoon.
Kristina
simple butter and radish – one of the best combinations around. I also love a salted avocado toast.
my favorite lately is a tahini with tomato, or for a sweet version, tahini with cinnamon sugar. Mmm…
these all look perfect!
Camille
wow i love you so much.
toast is literally my favorite thing to eat.
i had some tonight actually with crunchy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips and ohmygoodness it was amazing.
Sally
Toast is our go-to comfort/can’t be bothered to cook a grown up meal! I’m with you – trying to keep the cat at arms length from my sardines, hubby is strictly a jam man!! Gorgeous photos!
Mary @ The Kitchen Paper
I remember as a kid thinking my mom was weird for loving toast so much. Now, I eat toast like it’s my job. I. can.t stop.
Love the new white background in the pictures – they’re beautiful!
joythebaker
you j o b !
Liz
If you ever come to SF, you should definitely check out The Mill. It’s my new favorite place – amazing coffee from Four Barrel and three types of toast (rye with cream cheese, whole wheat with butter and almond butter, and white bread with cinnamon sugar and butter). The slices are thick cut, the bread is made by Josey the Baker and mostly I just feel like I’m in heaven when I take a huge bite of buttery salty toast and wash it down with a perfectly bittersweet almond milk latte. I LOVE TOAST.
joythebaker
all your words: perfect!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
You just made (baguette) toast like artwork! Stunning images! I love how light and cheery and inviting they look!