Melba toast is a delicious crispy bread that can be enjoyed as a snack or used as a base for various appetizers and canapes. It is named after Dame Nellie Melba, an Australian soprano, who is said to have been on a diet and requested her toast to be very thin. The toast became so popular that it was named after her. Melba toast is traditionally made from white bread, but in this recipe, we will show you how to make Melba toast using baguette, which adds a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
Gather the Ingredients
To start with this simple and delicious recipe, you will only need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Baguette: Choose a fresh, crusty baguette that is not too soft. The texture of the bread plays a crucial role in achieving the desired crispiness.
– Olive oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps in achieving a golden brown color while toasting the bread.
– Salt: Just a pinch of salt will enhance the taste of the Melba toast.
Preparation
Before we begin making the Melba toast, there are a few preparatory steps that you need to follow:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the toast bakes evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.
2. Slice the baguette: Take your fresh baguette and slice it into thin, even slices. The thickness of the slices should be around 1/8th of an inch. You can use a serrated knife to make clean and smooth cuts.
3. Brush the bread: Take a pastry brush or a silicone brush and lightly brush olive oil over one side of each bread slice. Make sure to cover the entire surface but avoid saturating the bread with too much oil.
4. Season with salt: Sprinkle a pinch of salt evenly over the oiled side of each bread slice. This will enhance the flavor of the Melba toast.
Toasting the Melba Toast
Now that the prep work is done, it’s time to toast the bread and turn it into delicious Melba toast. Follow these simple steps:
1. Arrange the slices: Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the oiled and seasoned bread slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, with the oiled side facing up. Make sure to leave some space between the slices for even toasting.
2. Toast the first side: Place the baking sheet with the bread slices in the preheated oven. Allow the slices to toast for about 5-7 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Flip the slices: Once the first side is toasted, carefully flip over each bread slice using tongs or a spatula. Now, the untoasted side should be facing up.
4. Toast the other side: Return the baking sheet to the oven and allow the untoasted side to toast for an additional 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
5. Cool and store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the toasted bread slices to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Optional Variations
While the classic Melba toast recipe is simple yet delightful, there are a few variations you can experiment with to add extra flavor and excitement to your toast:
1. Garlic Melba Toast: Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with the olive oil. Brush this garlic-infused oil onto the bread slices before toasting them. You can also sprinkle some dried oregano or grated Parmesan cheese for added taste.
2. Herbed Melba Toast: Add dried herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the olive oil and mix well. Brush this herb-infused oil onto the bread slices, sprinkle a little salt, and toast as usual.
3. Sweet Melba Toast: If you have a sweet tooth, you can make a sweet version of Melba toast by brushing the bread slices with melted butter and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar before toasting.
Ways to Enjoy Melba Toast
Now that you have a delicious batch of homemade Melba toast, it’s time to explore the various ways you can enjoy this crispy delight:
– Topped with spreads: Melba toast makes an excellent base for spreads like cream cheese, hummus, or bruschetta toppings. The crunchiness of the toast provides a perfect contrast to the smoothness of the spreads.
– As a soup accompaniment: Serve Melba toast alongside your favorite soup or stew. You can dip it in the soup or simply enjoy it on the side for some added texture.
– Canapes and appetizers: Get creative and use Melba toast as a platform for bite-sized appetizers. You can top it with smoked salmon, diced tomatoes and mozzarella, or avocado and bacon. The possibilities are endless.
– Snacking: Melba toast makes a satisfying and guilt-free snack on its own. Enjoy it as it is or topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, herbs, or your favorite seasoning.
In Conclusion
Making Melba toast from baguette is a simple yet rewarding process. It allows you to enjoy the classic crispiness of Melba toast with a touch of French flair. By following this easy recipe, you can create a batch of homemade Melba toast that is versatile and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or soup accompaniment, Melba toast is sure to impress your taste buds and add an elegant touch to any dish. So, grab a baguette, fire up your oven, and indulge in the wonderful world of Melba toast.