Herb Butter Toast (Print)

Crusty bread slices generously topped with aromatic compound herb butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices crusty artisan bread (such as sourdough or baguette)

→ Compound Herb Butter

02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/2 tsp lemon zest
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

→ Finishing

10 - Flaky sea salt, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F or set a broiler to high.
02 - In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, black pepper, and fine sea salt until fully combined.
03 - Lightly toast the bread slices in the oven or under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until crisp and lightly golden.
04 - Spread a generous layer of compound herb butter onto each warm toast.
05 - Return the toasts to the oven or broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the butter melts and the edges of the bread are golden.
06 - Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than 15 minutes but tastes like you spent an hour in the kitchen.
  • The herb butter can be made ahead and stored, so youre always ready for unexpected guests.
  • Its endlessly adaptable, you can swap herbs or add a kick of chili depending on your mood.
  • The contrast between crispy golden bread and creamy melted butter is pure comfort.
02 -
  • If your butter is too cold, it wont mix well with the herbs and youll end up with clumps, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
  • Dont skip the first toast, if you spread butter on raw bread and then bake it, the texture turns chewy instead of crispy.
  • Flaky salt at the end is not optional, it transforms the dish from good to unforgettable by adding little bursts of flavor and crunch.
03 -
  • Use the broiler instead of the oven if you want deeper color and a faster cook, just dont walk away or youll end up with charcoal.
  • If you dont have fresh herbs, you can use half the amount of dried herbs, but the flavor wont be quite as bright and vibrant.
  • Let the garlic sit in the softened butter for a few minutes before mixing in the herbs, it mellows the sharpness and distributes the flavor more evenly.
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