This Parmesan Toast with Truffle Honey is made with just a few simple ingredients, but the combination of crispy, golden cheese, toasted bread, and sweet truffle honey makes it feel super fancy! Make it for one, or go mini for the most addictive appetizer.
It's fancy toast time, and I seriously shouldn't call this one a recipe. But alas, I am, so I can prove to you that bread and cheese can be pure magic.
This toast is inspired by my favorite charcuterie pairing: Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano) served with a drizzle of truffle honey. It makes its way to every cheese board I prepare because it's super simple, yet elegant. There's something about the salty cheese and the sweet and savory honey that hits all the right notes.
You'll love making this Parmesan toast, not just for the flavor, but because the cheese forms a delicate, lacy crust right on the bread. And let's face it, it's just plain fun. And if you're thinking, I don't own truffle honey, you crazy brunch lady, that's totally fine. Just use the regular stuff!
Jump to:
Key ingredients
All you need to make this Parmesan toast is grated cheese (the real deal, please), sturdy bread such as sourdough, olive oil, and the smallest drizzle of truffle honey.
Wondering where to buy truffle honey? It's easier to find than you might think. My local grocery store sells it near the fresh cheese section (but also check the honey aisle). Otherwise, it can be purchased at specialty stores such as Whole Foods, big-box stores such as Walmart, and online retailers (which is where I get my truffle butter).
Step-by-step instructions
Just coat the bread in olive oil, add Parmesan to a heated pan, and place the bread over the cheese until crusty goodness appears!
Step 1. Spread a thin layer of olive oil on the bread.
Step 2. Heat the pan, then add the cheese directly on the pan.
Step 3. Place the bread directly over the cheese, pressing down slightly.
Step 4. Cook until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese forms a crust.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tips
- Use as much cheese as you need to cover the bread. It's hard to give an exact amount of cheese, since bread slices vary in size. Use just enough to cover your bread.
- Put cheese on one or both sides. This is a personal preference. Since Parmesan can be salty, one layer of cheese may be enough. If you skip the cheese on the reverse side, just be sure to toast the bread in olive oil instead.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Play with the flavors to make it our own.
- Hot honey. Skip the truffle honey and use regular or hot honey.
- Cacio e pepe. Add freshly ground black pepper to the grated cheese for a spin on the Roman classic.
- Garlic-Parmesan. Rub the bread lightly with a cut garlic clove before searing in the Parmesan.
- Pesto. Before drizzling the bread with olive oil, add a thin layer of pesto.
What does Parmesan toast go with?
This toast is perfect on its own for breakfast or lunch, or when you're feeling a little extra. You can make one at a time, or simply cut the toast into smaller pieces and serve it as an easy appetizer.
For brunch, serve it with my goat cheese eggs, a simple salad, or one of your favorite savory brunch dishes. The salty Parmesan and sweet honey also make it a great addition to a cheese or charcuterie board.
Storage and prep
This is a make-as-you-go situation, so I recommend you prepare only what you can eat. If you do have any leftovers, store them wrapped in the fridge for a few days. A quick refresh in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a low oven until it crisps up will work.
Frequently asked questions
Pecorino Romano is a close cousin to Parmesan and works well here. The same concept can be applied to white cheddar, Gruyère, fontina, or Asiago.
Skip the Wonder bread and opt for something sturdy and crusty like Sourdough, multigrain, or a country loaf. If you have access to an olive loaf or herby bread, this would work too.
Technically, yes, but you won't get the same lacy cheese effect as you would in a skillet. To toast in the oven, oil the bread, place the cheese on top, and bake at 400F for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown on top. Flip and toast the other side. Remove from the oven and drizzle the truffle honey over the toast while still warm.
Perfect pairings
Give your Parmesan toast a friend!
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
Parmesan Toast with Truffle Honey
Equipment
- non-stick pan
Ingredients
- 1 slice sourdough or other sturdy bread
- extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more as needed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste, optional
- truffle honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Lightly brush each side of the bread with extra-virgin olive oil.1 slice sourdough or other sturdy bread, extra-virgin olive oil
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Pecorino directly into the pan, arranging it in roughly the same shape and size as the bread. Add 1 or 2 grinds of black pepper, if using. Immediately place the bread directly on top of the cheese. Gently press down so the bread makes good contact with the cheese.¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more as needed, freshly ground black pepper, to taste, optional
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese underneath is golden and crisp and the bread is toasted.
- Carefully flip the toast and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the second side is golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a plate and drizzle with truffle honey. Serve warm.truffle honey
Notes
- Don't have truffle honey? Use regular or hot honey. If you happen to have truffle oil, you can brush the bread with truffle oil instead of the extra-virgin olive oil, and then use regular honey for drizzling.
- Use as much cheese as you need to cover the bread. It's hard to give an exact amount of cheese, since bread slices vary in size. Use just enough to cover your bread.
- Put cheese on one or both sides. This is a personal preference. Since Parmesan can be salty, one layer of cheese is usually enough. If you skip the cheese on the reverse side, just be sure to toast the bread in olive oil instead.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
Brunch success? Share a ⭐ rating and comment below.