Tired of tacos and sliders? Want to call a wrap on wraps? Then perhaps it’s time to take a bite out of the latest food trend: toast. But this is no ho-hum piece of flimsy bread we’re talking about here. The gourmet toast revolution is all about thick, robust slices of golden brown artisan breads heaped with yummy topping combinations. It’s so delicious and satisfying, you can serve it any time of day. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make gorgeous toast right at home. 

Get inspired with these 10 irresistible toast toppers, complete with bread recommendations.

1.  The Funky Monkey: Peanut butter, sliced banana, flaxseeds on muesli bread
2. Hummus Delight: Hummus, sliced radishes, sunflower seeds on rye bread
3. The Ricky Ricotta: Ricotta cheese, blueberries, lemon zest on muesli bread
4. The Spicy Avocado: Mashed avocado, sliced chili peppers, feta cheese on rye
5. Pesto Perfecto: Mozzarella cheese, pesto, chopped walnuts on country bread
6. Mushroom Medley: Mushrooms, butter, thyme, salt, goat cheese on sourdough bread
7. The Rustic: Prosciutto, balsamic glaze, herb-and-garlic cream cheese, basil leaves on sourdough boule
8. Lox, Stock and Capers: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, fresh dill sprigs on flaxseed rye
9. The Cozy Cinnamon: Cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, pears on raisin bread
10. Choco-Berry Crunch: Hazelnut chocolate spread, raspberries, slivered almonds on sliced baguette

Toasting 101:

• Select your bread. Using artisan-style bread is the key. Experiment with different varieties to find a loaf you love. Traditionally, toast is made with almost-stale day-old bread, but we prefer using a fresh unsliced loaf—it offers a crispier outer crust and a chewy, moist interior.
• Slice to perfection. When using a whole loaf for toast, cut slices about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick (or about 1/2 inch/1 cm for dense breads like rye) with a serrated knife.
• Time to toast. Crank your toaster up as high as it can go to get a beautifully caramelized outer crunch while maintaining a soft centre. Toast thick slices for 2.5 to 4 minutes and thin ones for 1.5 to 2.5 minutes. Rustic loaves like sourdough do best with a slower, lower heat. Keep an eye on the bread so it doesn’t burn.
• Try toasting in a skillet. Melt as much butter as you like over medium-high heat. Add your slice, cover with a heavy lid and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Brown bread on the barbecue. Grill slices, uncovered, and watch closely so they don’t burn. Butter after grilling.