Sometimes, we eat toast for dinner because, although browned bread is a great way to start a day, it’s also a fast and delicious way to enjoy lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert. Of course, your toasted creation’s success is dependent on the ways you top it, which is why we asked Sadie Scheffer, CEO and founder of San Francisco’s Bread SRSLY for advice on how to perfectly pair sturdy vegan breads with the best possible plant-based toppings. “I keep my sweet onion or sandwich roll toasts on the savory side, and seeded or classic toast can take sweet or savory,” Scheffer says. “If you’re into toast purely as a vehicle for your favorite toppings, you’ll want to look for that combo of toppings that will hit your craving right on the head. Avocado with garlic and chili flakes? Hummus with radish sprouts and toasted sesame seeds? Anything goes.” After speaking to Scheffer, we realized our favorite toppings play with sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, which inspired us to bring you 10 bread toppings we’ve been enjoying morning, noon, and night.
1. Taco love
We love avocado on toast, but this taco version takes avo toast to a whole new level. Top your bread with mashed avocado, and into a bowl, toss chopped cherry tomatoes with blanched corn kernels and black beans, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Spoon the tomato mixture on top of the avocado mash, season with salt, and dig in!
2. Make it sweet
Vegan cheesecake on toast is a thing, and we love it. To accomplish this amazing feat, spread toast with a layer of vegan cream cheese. Then, top with strawberries slices, a drizzle of agave nectar or maple syrup, grated lemon zest, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. You’re welcome.
3. Tomato temptation
Spread toast with vegan mayonnaise and top with tomato slices, salt, pepper, chopped fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for the ultimate open-faced sandwich.
4. Breakfast for dinner
Who doesn’t love eating a fancy, layered granola-and-yogurt parfait? No one, which is why we dare say this toast might be the most delicious thing we’ve eaten in a long time. Spread toast with dairy-free coconut yogurt, and top with granola, a handful of toasted hazelnuts, raspberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
5. Sophisticated starter
Elevate your toast with a savory Mediterranean flare by spreading toast with your favorite hummus. Top with avocado slices, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of za’atar spice and salt, and a handful of arugula or parsley. Trust us, this is divine!
6. Go bananas
If peanut butter and bananas were good enough for Elvis, they’re good enough for us. To feel like a king, we spread toast with vegan butter and top with banana slices, a drizzle of peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter), and chopped dairy-free chocolate. For extra melty goodness, briefly place the bread in a toaster oven to melt the chocolate before digging in.
7. PB with a kick
Peanut butter and Sriracha is totally a thing, and it tastes better than you think. If you don’t believe us, spread toast with creamy peanut butter, and top with a squeeze of sriracha and lime juice, a handful of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of salt. You can thank us later.
8. Caprese crunch
Take the flavors of Caprese and put it on toast—because everything is better with bread. Top your bread with sliced vegan mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. And don’t forget the vino!
9. S’mores sensation
You don’t need a campfire for this ooey-gooey dessert. In fact, all you do is spread toast with vegan Nutella spread, and top with miniature vegan marshmallows, chopped dairy-free chocolate, crushed vegan graham crackers, and a sprinkle of salt. Then, broil the toast in a toaster oven to toast the marshmallows and melt the chocolate. Our advice? Eat these outside!
10. Light and lovely
This wholesome, protein-packed tartine is perfect for a light lunch or easy meal. Top toast with mashed avocado, and add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, cooked chickpeas, and a handful of fresh sprouts. Lunch never tasted so good!
Nicole Axworthy is co-author of DIY Vegan and a serious toast devotee.
Photo credit: Emilie Eats
This post was originally published on VegNews.com.
