If you’re searching for a bold, effortlessly elegant appetizer, Anchovy Toasts have your cravings covered. Each slice marries crisp, golden bread with a luscious, garlicky anchovy butter that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. This Mediterranean-inspired snack is proof that simple ingredients can create an appetizer that will have your friends talking long after the last crumb has disappeared. Anchovy Toasts are joyfully savory, satisfyingly crunchy, and so fast to pull together, they’re destined to become your go-to for gatherings or gourmet snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, especially when each piece brings something special to the table. Every element in Anchovy Toasts matters: from the robust fish to the zesty kick of lemon and the comforting cloud of butter, each plays a delicious role in both flavor and texture.
- Baguette or Crusty French Bread: The perfect vehicle for anchovy butter, offering essential crunch and a sturdy structure that holds up to toppings.
- Anchovy Fillets (6 ounces, packed in oil): Salty, umami-packed, and surprisingly mellow once mixed; the star of your toasts.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Gives the topping its creamy foundation and mellows the anchovies, making them almost melt into the bread.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh): A pop of acidity brightens the flavors and keeps the butter from feeling too rich.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Essential for bringing a gentle heat and aromatic depth to the spread.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Scatters freshness and a hint of color on every bite, balancing the savory toppings.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out all the flavors—use generously to taste.
How to Make Anchovy Toasts
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay your baguette or crusty bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just turning golden at the edges and are crisp all the way through. This sets up the perfect foundation for that savory butter, ensuring your Anchovy Toasts never go soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Anchovy Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped anchovy fillets, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Mix well until the blend is smooth and you see little flecks of green from the parsley. The aroma alone will have you sneaking a little taste already—it’s addictive!
Step 3: Assemble the Toasts
Now, take those warm, toasted bread slices and spread the anchovy butter mixture evenly across each one. Be generous! The butter should melt slightly into the bread, carrying the flavors deep inside every crumb. Don’t worry if it seems rustic—Anchovy Toasts always look and taste best when they’re a bit imperfect and homemade.
Step 4: Warm the Topping
Pop the assembled toasts back into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This brief warming lets the anchovy butter mingle with the bread and creates a luxurious mouthfeel without drying anything out. Once the kitchen smells irresistible, your Anchovy Toasts are ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Anchovy Toasts
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley or a little lemon zest can do wonders for Anchovy Toasts. These extra pops of color and brightness offer visual appeal and an added layer of flavor. Feel free to sprinkle on more black pepper or even a few capers if you want extra zip.
Side Dishes
Anchovy Toasts make friends with all sorts of Mediterranean sides—think crisp salads tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, marinated olives, or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad. If you’re thinking drinks, a sparkling white wine or a dry martini is the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Slice your toasts into coins for passing at a party, or build a platter with pickled veggies and assorted cheeses. Another fun twist is to serve Anchovy Toasts alongside soft-boiled eggs for a chic brunch spin on tapas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Anchovy Toasts (which isn’t likely, trust me), let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to two days—just know they’ll lose a bit of their signature crunch.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze fully assembled Anchovy Toasts, you can definitely freeze the prepared anchovy butter. Scoop it into a small container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then spread on fresh toasts when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive leftover Anchovy Toasts, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, just until warmed through and crisped at the edges. Avoid microwaving—they’ll become chewy rather than delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack
Absolutely! Any crusty bread works well—think sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread for those with dietary needs. Just slice it thick enough to handle the toppings and toasting.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No fresh parsley? No problem. Substitute with other soft herbs like chives, basil, or dill for a twist, or even a tiny sprinkle of dried oregano in a pinch.
Are anchovies really that salty or fishy?
Good anchovy fillets, especially when packed in oil, are delightfully savory, not overtly fishy. Mixing them with butter, lemon, and fresh ingredients mellows out their saltiness, making Anchovy Toasts taste balanced and crave-worthy.
Can I make Anchovy Toasts ahead of time?
Prepare the anchovy butter in advance and keep it chilled. When ready to serve, toast the bread and assemble just before guests arrive—the toasts are at their best when fresh and warm.
What wines or drinks pair well with Anchovy Toasts?
These flavor-packed bites shine with crisp, mineral-driven white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or bubbly options like Prosecco. Beer lovers can opt for a light pilsner, and classic cocktails like a martini or negroni also make excellent companions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Anchovy Toasts before, now’s the perfect moment to bring them to your table. They’re bold, crowd-pleasing, and far easier to make than they are to share. With just a few ingredients and twenty-five minutes, you’ll discover why these toasts are a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Give them a try, and watch your guests fall head over heels for their savory charm!
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Anchovy Toasts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 toasts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Anchovy Toasts are a savory and flavorful appetizer featuring a delicious anchovy butter spread on crispy, golden slices of baguette. Perfect for entertaining or as a delicious snack!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 baguette or crusty French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
Anchovy Butter:
- 6 ounces anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Toast the bread: Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the anchovy butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped anchovies, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Spread the anchovy butter: Spread the anchovy butter evenly over the toasted bread slices.
- Final baking: Return the toasts to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to warm the topping slightly.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality anchovy fillets for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of anchovies to taste.
- Garnish with extra parsley or thin lemon zest for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
