Get ready for an easy-to-make Blueberry Toast that packs in so much flavor you will feel like you can conquer the world. Okay, that's an exaggeration- but fresh blueberries, cream cheese, and basil make this blueberry toast taste like summer- and that's pretty awesome.
It's Spring here in New Jersey, and that means fresh berry picking starts soon. Have you ever been blueberry picking? Such a fun spring or summer activity!
It's also one of my favorite berries to experiment with in cooking and baking. They are so versatile in savory dishes like my Blueberry and Thyme Focaccia or sweet in my Bakery Style Blueberry Lemon Muffins. This gourmet blueberry toast is on the savory side, but also a little sweet, and I'm in love!
The ingredients are pretty simple and easy to find. I like to drizzle the toast with date syrup, but you can use honey or balsamic glaze instead.
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Blueberry toast ingredients
Guys- this has only 6 ingredients! You can even adjust the amounts- the bread is a canvas for you to play with.
- Bread- My go-to bread for any gourmet toast, is a thick, hearty bread that can stand up to toppings. Sourdough, multigrain, or ciabatta are perfect. If you can get your hands on fresh baked bread, it will take the toast to another level.
- Blueberries- Fresh blueberries. If you can get your hands on fresh wild blueberries, snag them- they would be perfect for this toast.
- Cream cheese- I'm a Philadelphia girl when it comes to my cream cheese, but choose any brand you like. Avoid any flavored cream cheese. You can use low-fat if you'd like. Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature, or it will be impossible to spread.
- Lemon zest- The lemon enhances the flavor of the blueberries, and it's not to be skipped for this reason.
- Basil- Basil adds to the freshness of the ingredients, and pairs well with blueberries. You can also use thyme or mint, just make sure they are fresh.
- Date syrup- I keep date syrup in my pantry, because I like the caramel-like flavor it brings. You can use honey or balsamic glaze to drizzle over the top.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Just toast up your bread however you like (I like to pan-fry it in butter on the stove), but a good old toaster will do just fine!
First, toast up that bread. Lay your slices flat.
Whisk the cream cheese and the lemon zest, until it has a soft, whipped consistency. Spread it evenly over the toast.
Next, add your blueberries. As many or as little as you like! Press them down gently into the cheese. Add the basil.
Next add additional lemon zest, then finish with a drizzle of your your favorite sweetener.
💡Top tip
The beauty of this simple toast is in the fresh ingredients. Be sure to use fresh blueberries and basil.
Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with quantities. If you like more blueberries, then just add more. A little more cream cheese? No problem- go wild!
- Bread - I like to use a larger slice of bread, preferably multigrain, but you can use any bread you like. The amount of blueberries and cream cheese you use will vary depending on the size of your bread.
- Cheese spread- Try layering the toast with ricotta, crème fraiche or even labneh.
- Strawberries - This toast would be wonderful with strawberries or raspberries.
- Citrus- Orange or lime zest can be used in place of the lemon.
- Sweetener- Balsamic vinegar or honey works great in place of the date syrup.
Serving suggestions
Artisan toasts like this can stand on their own as a main course for brunch, or can be paired with a light salad, or soft-boiled eggs.
Storage
Blueberry toast is meant to be eaten right away. Feel free to whip the cream cheese and the lemon zest ahead of time, if you are serving these to a crowd.
In the U.S., blueberries are harvested April to July in the South, June through October in the Midwest and Northeast and April through October in the West. In Maine, you can find wild blueberries from late July through early September. Whenever possible, shop local.
Related recipes
Check out these other gourmet artisan toasts.
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Blueberry Toast
Equipment
- toaster or small pan for toasting the bread
Ingredients
- 2 slices rustic bread; toasted sourdough, multigrain, etc.
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened full or reduced-fat is fine
- ½ cup fresh blueberries, plus more if needed
- 2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus more for topping
- 2-4 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
- 2 tablespoon date syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze
- arugula for topping; optional
Instructions
- Toast the bread in a toaster to your liking or fry the bread in a small pan over medium heat with a little butter.2 slices rustic bread; toasted
- Mix the softened cream cheese and lemon zest in a bowl. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the toasted bread.¼ cup cream cheese, softened, 2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus more for topping
- Divide and scatter the blueberries over the bread, pressing them into the cheese slightly.½ cup fresh blueberries, plus more if needed
- Top with basil, arugula (if using), date syrup or other sweetener, and additional lemon zest. Serve immediately.2-4 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons, 2 tablespoon date syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze, arugula for topping; optional
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
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