Fancy avocado toast is now a millennial staple. But did you know that there are so many other ways to upgrade your toast game? Read on for some of our favorite inventive combinations of extra tasty toppings. From sweet to savory and back again, we’ve got you covered to change your toast-ing for good.
Terrific Toast Toppings
1. Crème Fraîche + Cucumber
For our first fun combination, start with a base of crème fraîche spread; this is French for “fresh cream” and is a thick spread that consists of heavy cream combined with either buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream. It is smooth and tangy so pairs beautifully with mild cucumber. For extra fancy points, cut cucumbers into long thin ribbons as pictured above. If you’re in more of a hurry, round thin slices are also an option. Top with fresh dill, salt, and pepper for a delicious lunch choice.
2. Caprese Toast
Another classic option channels bruschetta, which is an Italian appetizer of toasted baguette topped with garlic and tomatoes. In our version, we add one of our favorite salads, caprese, to toast for a winning combination. Begin by laying slices of mozzarella as a base. Top with either roasted tomatoes or fresh sliced tomatoes. We especially love heirloom tomatoes in this dish. Add some fresh basil chiffonade, drizzle with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar, and top with pink salt and cracked black pepper. So yummy, especially at the end of summer when garden fresh tomatoes are at their sweetest. In colder months, we recommend roasting tomatoes for best results.
3. Persimmon + Brie + Pomegranate
Persimmon is a lesser known exotic fruit that adds some gourmet vibes as a toast topper. Despite their resemblance to the humble tomato, this fruit is far different, with a sweeter, more honey-like taste and bright orange exterior. We love this showstopper sliced and topped with a thick serving of creamy brie and pomegranate seeds with a sprig of fresh mint. Or, for a bit more tang and funk, spread a thin layer of goat cheese (aka chevre) as a base on toast then add persimmons and pomegranate seeds. Either way, you’re sure to be satisfied with this delicious combo.
4. Peanut Butter + Banana + Cacao Nibs
While the pairing of banana with peanut butter certainly isn’t groundbreaking, it is a kid-friendly and classic choice. Start with your favorite peanut butter (or almond butter if you prefer) then add sliced bananas and a handful of roasted cacao nibs. For more decadence, consider chocolate chips instead of the nibs. We also like sprinkling chia seeds or homemade granola on top for some added crunch, or rolled oats if you have those on hand. All will enhance your banana and PB toast experience.
5. Figs + Prosciutto + Rosemary
Figs are a really cool ingredient to use on top of toast. We like to pair them with salty prosciutto and fresh rosemary for a balanced and flavorful combination. For a vegetarian version, simply sub freshly shaved parmesan for the meat and you’ll be good to go. If fresh figs aren’t readily available in your area, consider using Trader Joe’s fig butter as an alternative. You could even mix one part fig butter with one part cream cheese for a different option. All the yum!
6. Avocado Toast
No list of toast toppings could possibly be complete without the internet favorite, avocado toast. We like to elevate the classic with some thinly sliced radishes and spiced scrambled eggs with fresh parsley garnish as pictured above. For a Southwestern twist, add diced corn, tomatoes, and black beans on top of smeared avocado with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Cilantro and queso fresco can be used to adorn the top; we also recommend adding a sprinkling of taco seasoning on top of the avocado base.
7. Herbed Cream Cheese + Sprouts + Peppers
Next up on our list is a creamy yet refreshing toast topper. Begin with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs; thyme or chives are both great options here. Then top with thinly sliced bell peppers for a pop of acidity and crunch, and finish with sprouts to up the nutritional profile and add some greenery. Peppery arugula or mild spinach are both options here if sprouts aren’t your favorite.
8. Cottage Cheese + Pears + Walnuts
Cottage cheese is a cheap and fun topping for toast. If you prefer ricotta, that can also be used in this instance. Add thinly sliced pears, a handful of chopped walnuts or walnut halves, and a dollop of local honey to finish off this winning option. The flavors pair beautifully, and offer natural sweetness from the honey, a crispy freshness from the pears, creamy base from the cottage cheese or ricotta, and lovely texture from the crunchy nuts. We can’t think of anything tastier!
9. Almond Butter + Blueberries + Chia Seeds
Almond butter forms the base of our next selection for easy and delicious toast toppings. Add some extra antioxidants with a handful of fresh blueberries and a sprinkling of chia seeds; if you prefer hemp seeds or happen to have those on hand, simply substitute them for the chia. Remember, blueberries can range in flavor from tart to sweet, so if you get a tart bunch, add a drizzle of honey onto your toast. You could even try a bit of balsamic vinegar for a fun twist too.
10. Pesto + Parmesan + Pine Nuts
Pesto is a tasty Italian condiment comprised of blended basil, olive oil, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. It’s readily available at grocery stores, but we love making our own with this recipe too. Begin by spreading a thin layer of yummy pesto on your toast, then add shaved parm, a tiny bit of olive oil, and a small handful of pine nuts. It’s like topping the pesto with the deconstructed ingredients of the sauce itself. The pine nuts add satisfying textural element while salty parmesan adds the perfect finishing note. If fresh basil is available, add a leaf or two to each piece of toast as an herby garnish.
11. Brie + Balsamic + Berries
Our next favorite combination of toppings is brie with balsamic vinegar and fresh strawberries. Begin by layering brie as the base; you can either smooth it onto the toast as a spread, or include the rind and just add some slices to the toast. Include some sliced strawberries and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. If fresh basil is available, that would pair well with this too. If fresh berries aren’t around, consider a base of homemade strawberry preserve, topped with brie, balsamic and basil.
12. Beet Hummus + Arugula + Sesame Seeds
The humble chickpea provides lots of protein with a hummus base on the next toast idea. Beets add earthiness to the usual spread that is balanced well with peppery arugula and crunchy sesame seeds. If beets aren’t your thing, consider plain hummus topped with roasted peppers and pine nuts as an alternative. Note: consider toasting sesame seeds in skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes for an extra burst of flavor.
13. Gorgonzola Cheese + Apples + Honey
Our last selection for easy and delicious toast toppings calls for a gorgonzola base topped with fresh apples and a drizzle of honey. Bee pollen could also be added to this option. If your gorgonzola is too crumbly and not easy to spread, try using apple butter as the base and topping with cheese crumbles and a bit of honey. Yum!
Overall, we hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of awesome toast toppers. While this provides a great starting point, remember to use what’s available in your pantry and fridge to come up with your own fun and flavorful combinations. There’s so much room for creativity in the kitchen, so use this guide as your source for tremendous toast inspiration.