Discover Quick & Delicious Toast Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again!

One of the joys of summer is the seamless fit of light, easy meals. With fresh produce in abundance, a simple meal might just be some of that with a fresh loaf of bread. Topping a piece of toast can be a laid-back alternative to making pizza.

Rather than dealing with dough and waiting for it to rise, I prefer topping a slice of bread with my favorite ingredients. This concept isn’t new—bruschetta, crostini, and tartines have long used bread as a plate—but I’m definitely a fan.

The Magic of Fruit and Cheese

My inspiration for nectarine and brie toasts came from a fruit-topped flatbread I enjoyed at a now-shuttered wine bar. The Riverview Wine Bar once offered a delightful fig and blue cheese flatbread; a single bite of this sweet and salty treat along with a cool glass of rosé was unforgettable.

This experience opened my eyes to using seasonal fruits as vibrant toppings along with rich, melty cheeses and aromatic herbs. My go-to is a combo of nectarines and brie, finished with a honey drizzle.

Effortless Nectarines

While peaches are great, the convenience of nectarines—with their smooth, fuzz-free skin and juicy sweetness—makes them a hassle-free choice. Their vibrant orange flesh and deep red skins look stunning on toast.

If nectarines aren’t available, feel free to substitute with plums, pluots, apricots, peaches, or even pitted sweet cherries. Add a bit more honey if the fruit is tart. And if you’re looking to use excessive mint from your garden, sprinkle some on top—it pairs wonderfully with stone fruits.

Remember the Brie

Brie often features on cheese boards but is overlooked for cooking. Yet, it melts beautifully with just a bit of warmth, turning simple toast into an indulgent dish.

When buying brie for toasting, I look for a wedge that’s slightly bulging at the cut edges, indicating it’s ripe and flavorful. I cut the brie into long slices, keeping the rind on.

Crafting Nectarine and Brie Toasts with 5 Ingredients

For two servings, you will need:

• 2 slices of rustic sourdough bread
• Olive oil
• 4 ounces of brie cheese, sliced
• 1 large nectarine, sliced into thin wedges
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh basil

Start by preheating your oven’s broiler on high. Lightly brush the bread with olive oil and lay it on a baking sheet. Layer the slices with brie, then arrange the nectarine slices on top. Drizzle with honey evenly.

Broil the toasts until the cheese softens and the fruit begins to bubble and brown slightly, about 4 minutes. Alternatively, use a toaster for the bread and then quickly assemble while it’s still hot, so the cheese melts. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Toasts That Steal the Show

• 5-Ingredient Summer Veggie Toasts
• Soupy Toasts
• Blistered Tomato Toasts
• Black Bean Toasts
• Tomato Ricotta Toast
• The Marv ‘n’ Joe Tomato Sandwich