22 Unexpected Toast Toppers

You have a lot of options when it comes to topping bruschetta and crostini beyond the usual open-face sandwich ideas. And don’t forget that you can slice virtually any other bread — whole grain, sandwich, or even corn bread or focaccia — and give it the toast-and-top treatment. For each of the following suggestions, put the bread on a plate immediately after toasting, without the garlic and oil, and top.

  1. Any vinaigrette (page 628), with or without a green salad
  2. Balsamic Strawberries with Arugula (page 39)
  3. Parsley and Herb Salad (page 40)
  4. Shaved Artichoke Salad (page 44)
  5. Seaweed Romaine Salad (page 55)
  6. Tomato Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs (page 57)
  7. Ratatouille Salad or its variation (page 66)
  8. Chopped Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Glaze and Raisins (page 190)
  9. Corn Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Mint or its variation (page 52)
  10. Mushroom Salad, Italian-American Style (page 62)
  11. Bean Salad, Many Ways (page 71)
  12. Warm Chickpea Salad with Arugula (page 73)
  13. Lemony Lentil Salad (page 73)
  14. Fresh Cottage Cheese or Fresh Ricotta (page 569)
  15. Beans and Greens (page 444)
  16. Beans and Mushrooms or its variations (page 447)
  17. Chickpea Fondue or its variations (page 465)
  18. White Bean Purée or its variations (page 459)
  19. Mashed Favas (page 466)
  20. Skillet Eggplant with Tomatoes (page 199)
  21. Leeks Braised in Olive Oil or Butter or its variations (page 215)
  22. Sautéed Mushrooms or its variations (page 217)