The Beauty of Toast: My Top Toast-y Combos

The word 'toast' is straight-to-the-point and sharp-edged, much like the words 'crisp' or 'ketchup-covered waffle'. At the same time, toast is a versatile blank canvas, full of possibilities -- the ideal toast likely looks different in everyone's head. Lightly golden or nearly burnt? A modest bread-and-butter blanket or a gold-dusted caviar-topped masterpiece? Toast can be anything.

Sweet, Savory, or both?

Beyond what you choose to paint it with, the experience of having your toast can also completely change with the type of bread itself. My personal favorite canvases are sourdough or dark rye -- but oftentimes, life calls for a nice, thick slice of a store-bought white H-E-B bread. And, if I happen to have a medley of random leftovers, toast is a reliable base to unite them all together.

With that, here are a few of the countless ways I've tried toast so far! I usually make many of these as open-faced toasts, but honestly, every combination can be made in a mouthwatering sandwich or pressed into crispy panini form. Instead of using a toaster, I drizzle a bit of olive oil in a frying pan and slap a piece of bread on it so that I can control and vary the toasting process. It also ends up being less dry, maintaining a chewier, bread-y inside while creating a crisp, crunchy crust. Alternatively, pop the whole pre-toast ensemble in an air fryer for a few minutes and let it work its magic. The beauty of toast -- anything works!

The Sweet

Honey, Walnut, & Brie

Any toasted nut variety works, but this sweet and nutty combo can't be beaten. Drizzle some honey on the toast before laying some brie or a slice of Havarti on top. Sprinkle some crushed nuts on top of the cheese before toasting in the air fryer or oven.

Nutty Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Spread

In a small bowl, mix together greek yogurt, nut-butter of choice (peanut, almond, etc.), cinnamon, and honey until combined. Spread that on your toast and add your favorite fruit topping!

Milk & Honey-soaked

A super simple pairing (popular in Asia) that is perfect for a quick and sweet breakfast or snack. Spread some honey on bread and place it in a buttered pan. While toasting, drizzle two or three spoonfuls of milk over the top, evenly soaking the surface of your honeyed bread. You can also sprinkle a dash of cinnamon to evoke some French-toast goodness! Toast until both sides are golden-brown. (Bonus: top with sliced fruit afterwards!)

Brioche toast drizzled in honey, topped with havarti cheese, and popped into the air fryer to melt.

The Savory

Avocado + Smoked Salmon + Tzatziki + Everything Bagel Seasoning

The smoked salmon brings the perfect flavor to the creamy mildness of avocado, and adding cucumber tzatziki brings a lovely refreshing crunch.

Turkish Eggs Toast

Spread a dollop of plain yogurt of your choice on the toast, drizzle olive oil on top, add a poached or boiled egg, and finish with paprika, pepper, garlic salt, and/or red chili flakes! Hits the spot every single time.

Cheesy Tofu Scramble

You can use eggs or tofu for this one, but scramble the protein of choice in a pan with paprika, cumin powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add cheese of choice and melt, then serve over toasted bread!

The perfect combo.

The Sweet & Savory

Cheesy kimchi + honey

An open-faced toast version of a grilled kimchi cheese sandwich! Spread a bit of honey on the toast underneath the cheese for a slightly sweet addition.

Turkey + tomato jam + mozzarella + arugula

I tried this combo in an airport before -- it was absolutely life-changing. Spread fig jam or tomato jam on toast, add turkey and mozzarella, and then pop it in the air fryer. After cheese melts, place arugula on top!

Apple + brie or Havarti cheese toast

Definitely has to be a mild, creamy cheese to pair well with apples, and feel free to spice the apples up with cinnamon and honey.

Let me know what you think of these combos, and I definitely recommend letting your creativity take over when you make your next toast!