Melba toast is the perfect addition to any party food table and is an easy base for an appetiser. The best thing is, this easy melba toast recipe is made with just ONE ingredient. An easy homemade alternative to crackers.
These melba toasts look far more impressive than they actually are. They are made with just white bread, but once you load them up with some cheese and chutney or pate, they look very fancy and perfect for serving up to guests.
If you are looking for some more party food recipes, why not try our Cheese and Onion Rolls, Bagel Crisps, Cheese Biscuits or Antipasto Skewers?
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What is Melba Toast?
Melba toast is basically sliced white bread that has been toasted, sliced in half to make even thinner and then cut into triangles and toasted again. It's a great way to bring stale bread back to life and it's a must have addition to a buffet.
It is thought to have been created in around 1897 when a French chef who worked at the Savoy Hotel, Georges Augustus Escoffier, created it for an Australian opera singer named Nellie Melba. He made her dry toast because she was feeling unwell and apparently wanted to lose weight. Apparently she was the inspiration of a lot of recipes, as peach melba is named after her too.
Why you will love it
- Easy - This melba toast recipe might just be the easiest recipe we have ever posted. All you need is sliced white bread, and to toast it. It's so easy you almost don't even need a recipe for it.
- Versatile - What we love about melba toast is there there is so many different ways to use it. Basically any way you would use a cracker, but we have lots of options below.
- Stores well - You can make this in advance and then store it in an air tight container where it will keep for up to a week.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Bread - This is the only ingredient, which is what makes this recipe so brilliantly easy. Use a thick slice of white bread. You could use sourdough, but this would give holey melba toast. You can use brown bread too but we wouldn't recommend seeded because it cracks and splits too easily.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make melba toast - Step by step
One: Remove the crusts from the bread.
Two: Toast the bread on each side, about 3-4 minutes.
Three: Carefully slice through the middle to create four halves.
Four: Cut the halves into triangles.
Five: Toast the cut side for 1-2 minutes.
How to use Melba Toast
Our favourite way to serve melba toast is on a buffet table or platter with some cold cut meats, a selection of cheeses and chutney to pile on top. These make a great addition to our Vegetarian Charcuterie Board, Grazing Platter or Antipasto Platter.
For a more simple topping, why not try some homemade hummus or Salmon Pate. Our kids would happily have jam or nut butter on them too.
If you had quite a few leftover, then they are nice dipped into some homemade soup. It makes a nice change from just regular bread and butter. Why not try our Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, Kale Soup or Tomato and Basil Soup?
Storage
Store: Leftover melba toast will store in an air tight container at room temperature for up to a week. We think it's best eaten after a couple of days though for maximum freshness.
Freeze: We wouldn't recommend freezing melba toast. It's so quick and easy to make from fresh though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you definitely can. It will just need a couple of minutes, but keep checking on it as every air fryer cooks differently.
Yes, if you use store bought white, sliced gluten free bread then this can be a gluten free recipe. Just make sure there is no cross contamination.
You don't have to, but if you want a uniform shape and for them to look really presentable then you should.
More bread recipes
If you’ve tried this Melba Toast recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Easy Melba Toast
Ingredients
- 2 slice White bread - about 35g/1.25oz each
Instructions
- Remove the crusts from the bread.
- Toast the bread on each side, about 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully slice through the middle to create four halves.
- Cut the halves into triangles.
- Toast the cut side for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe tips
- You can really make any size or shape you want when it comes to melba toast. If you wanted something a little more festive, then you could use a star or Christmas tree cookie cutter.
- To make it really easy to slice through the bread, do it when it is still warm.
- Make sure to keep and eye on your melba toast when it goes back in the oven, because they can burn very quickly because of how thin they are.
- Don't throw away the crusts. You can use them to make your own breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Toni
This is such an amazing appetizer! I really loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
Gina Abernathy
Served veggie soup tonight and this toast was just what I needed to complete the meal.
Stephanie
I can't believe I had no idea that melba toast was just white bread! I feel slightly foolish. On the plus side, I found a new recipe for dip I want to try, and this will be the perfect dipper!
Charles
Great for Super Bowl! Thanks for sharing!
Katherine
So easy! This melba toast is such a great homemade appetiser.
Tara
Yum! I'll be making this easy toast for my Christmas brunch charcuterie board! Thank you for sharing!
Jen
This is so good!! My kids really loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
Lulu
Recipe??? Am I losing my mind. IT'S JUST TOAST!!
Dannii
It isn't just toast though. If you have read through the whole post then you will see it isn't just as simple as putting a slice of bread in the toaster - there are additional steps to make it really thin like melba toast. Also, there are all the extra tips, and serving suggestions that make this in to a whole post. I am sorry that you are so offended by this free post that we are providing.
Beth
I have never made my own melba toast before! I eat it all the time, so I can't wait to try this.
Tayler
I made this toast to go on a charcuterie board this weekend and it was fantastic! Everyone loved it!
Mirlene
What a fun way to put a spin on toast!