What Are Toast Points?
Toast points are little breads that are crustless slices of bread that have been buttered, cut into triangles, and toasted until golden.
They are commonly served as an accompaniment to dips, spreads, and pâté, but can also be used as a side dish or base for party appetizers.
Some classic topping combinations for toast points include smoked salmon and cream cheese, dill sour cream and caviar, shrimp cocktail, roasted red peppers, blue cheese, pear and honey, and smoked fish dip.
To make toast points, pre-heat the oven, melt butter until liquid, cut the crusts from slices of bread, brush one side with melted butter, sprinkle with chosen seasonings, cut into triangles, place on a baking sheet butter side up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden.
Toast points can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
They can be used as a base for dishes such as shrimp or lobster Newburg, chicken a la king, creamed peas with mushrooms and onions, or seafood au gratin, and can be topped with various ingredients such as sour cream and caviar, blue cheese and fresh figs, and ricotta, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Toast points are small triangular slices of bread that are typically used as a base for canapés and appetizers.
2. The origin of toast points can be traced back to the French tradition of serving toast alongside foie gras, pâté, and other gourmet foods.
3. Toast points are often made from stale bread, as it is easier to cut into neat triangles without crumbling.
4. In some cultures, specific types of bread are preferred for making toast points, such as French baguettes or Italian ciabatta, as they provide a nice balance of texture and flavor.
5. Toast points can be toasted in various ways, including grilling, broiling, or baking, depending on personal taste and the desired level of crispness.
What Are Toast Points?
Toast points are small pieces of bread that have been cooked until golden and crispy. They are typically made from crustless slices of bread that have been buttered, cut into triangles, and toasted.
Toast points are a versatile culinary delight that can be used in a variety of ways. They are often served as an accompaniment to dips, spreads, and pâté, but can also be used as a base for party appetizers or as a side dish.
One of the defining characteristics of toast points is their seasoning. They are commonly seasoned with black pepper, garlic salt, or cayenne pepper to add a savory kick to the bread. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the toast points and make them even more delicious.
Toast points can be made using different types of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or artisan varieties. The bread is typically sliced into triangles to create the classic shape of toast points. It is then buttered and toasted until it reaches a golden, crispy texture. The toasting process gives the bread a delicious crunch and enhances its flavor.
How To Make Toast Points
Making Toast Points
To make toast points, you will need the following ingredients:
- Slices of bread (crustless)
- Butter
- Seasonings (black pepper, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, etc.)
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make toast points:
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature, usually around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Melt the butter in a pan or microwave until it becomes a liquid. Be careful not to let the butter color too much, as it can affect the flavor of the toast points.
- Cut off the crusts from the slices of bread using a serrated knife and a sawing motion. This helps to produce neat and attractive toast points.
- Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle your chosen seasonings onto the buttered side of the bread. You can use black pepper, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer.
- Cut the bread slices into triangles, ensuring that each piece is roughly the same size.
- Place the triangle-shaped bread slices on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
- Bake the toast points in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the toast points cool slightly before serving.
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Enjoy your homemade toast points as a delicious and versatile snack or accompaniment to soups and salads.
Tips For Making Perfect Toast Points
To ensure that your toast points turn out perfect every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
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When melting the butter, make sure it only reaches the liquid state and does not begin to darken. The butter will continue to cook in the oven, and if it has started to brown, it can burn the toast points.
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Use a serrated knife and a sawing action when cutting off the crusts. This technique prevents the edges of the bread from becoming compacted, resulting in uneven color and overly crispy edges.
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For best results, choose bread that is slightly stale. Fresh bread can be too soft and may not toast evenly.
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If you want to add more flavor to your toast points, consider using additional seasonings such as cayenne pepper, onion or garlic powder, dried herbs, or Cajun seasoning.
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Toast points can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This makes them a convenient option for parties or gatherings.
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Remember to melt the butter properly.
- Use a serrated knife for better cutting.
- Choose slightly stale bread for even toasting.
- Experiment with additional seasonings for added flavor.
- Prepare toast points ahead of time for convenience.
“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
Serving Suggestions For Toast Points
Toast points are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions for toast points:
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Fantastic with dips, spreads, and pâté: Toast points provide a crispy and flavorful base for these creamy, savory accompaniments. Classic combinations include smoked salmon and cream cheese, dill sour cream and caviar, and shrimp cocktail.
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A great side dish: Toast points pair well with soups, salads, and other main dishes. You can serve them alongside a bowl of soup or use them to scoop up a delicious salad.
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Perfect for party appetizers: When used as a base for party appetizers, toast points can be topped with an array of ingredients. Some creative topping ideas include roasted red peppers, blue cheese and fresh figs, ricotta, olive oil, and fresh herbs, and smoked fish dip.
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Ideal for more elaborate dishes: Toast points can be part of a more elaborate dish, such as shrimp or lobster Newburg, chicken a la king, creamed peas with mushrooms and onions, or seafood au gratin. These dishes can be served directly on top of the toast points, providing a delicious and crispy base.
Storage and Additional Seasoning Options
Toast points can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This can be especially useful when preparing for a party or gathering. Simply make the toast points according to the recipe, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can add additional seasonings to your toast points. Consider using spices like paprika, chili powder, or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. These seasonings can further enhance the taste of your toast points and add a unique touch.
Creative Topping Ideas For Toast Points
When it comes to topping toast points, the possibilities are endless. Here are some creative topping ideas to inspire you:
- Sour cream and caviar: Spread a dollop of sour cream onto a toast point, then top it with a small spoonful of caviar for an elegant and luxurious appetizer.
- Blue cheese and fresh figs: Crumble some tangy blue cheese onto a toast point and add slices of fresh figs for a delightful blend of flavors.
- Ricotta, olive oil, and fresh herbs: Spread creamy ricotta cheese onto a toast point, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a light and refreshing combination.
- Smoked fish dip: Slather a toast point with a homemade or store-bought smoked fish dip for a smoky and savory treat.
By experimenting with different toppings, you can create unique and delicious combinations that will impress your guests and elevate your culinary creations. Whether you are serving toast points as appetizers, sides, or bases for more elaborate dishes, they are sure to satisfy your cravings and add a touch of elegance to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a toast point?
A toast point is a delectable appetizer that involves the transformation of crustless bread slices to golden, triangular delights. These delectable treats are achieved by meticulously buttering the bread slices before toasting them to perfection. Often enhanced with a sprinkle of black pepper, garlic salt, or cayenne pepper, toast points offer a delightful combination of crispiness and savory flavors. Whether topped with dainty spreads or complementing a variety of dips, these bite-sized triangles bring charm and flavor to any gathering or dining experience.
How does toasting work?
Toasting works by utilizing the process of infrared radiation. Inside a toaster, coils produce infrared radiation which is responsible for heating up the bread. As the coils glow red, they emit this radiation, gently drying and charring the surface of the bread. This results in the delightful crispy texture and golden brown color that we associate with toast. By harnessing the power of infrared radiation, toasting provides a quick and efficient way to enhance the flavor and texture of bread, bringing out its best qualities.
What should toast look like?
Achieving the perfect toast requires attention to detail during the cooking process. The toast should have a delightful golden color, indicating that it is cooked to perfection. It should also have the ideal texture with a slight “give” in the center, ensuring a satisfying bite. Additionally, serving the toast hot is crucial to fully enjoy its warmth and aroma. To achieve this, it is important to actively engage with the toasting process, carefully monitoring its progress and tending to it as needed.
How many calories are in toast points?
Toast points typically have varying amounts of calories depending on how they are prepared. However, based on the nutritional values provided for Mellow Mushroom Miscellaneous Toast Points, it can be estimated that they contain approximately 520 calories. These toast points are not a low-calorie option due to their relatively high fat and carbohydrate content. It is important to consider portion size and the specific ingredients used when determining the exact calorie count.