Host with the Toast: How to Throw a Budget-Friendly Party With Baguettes
Summer’s finally arrived and you’re itching to host an outdoor bash—the only problem? Parties are expensive! Fear not: You don’t need overpriced prepared foods to impress your guests. Make a beeline for the bakery section at the store and remember this simple formula: Freshly-baked baguettes + vibrant summer produce = instant party.
The beauty of baguettes lies in their versatility. With just a few crusty loaves, you can create an endless array of toast options featuring fresh fruits and vegetables. Best of all, when faced with a colorful lineup of bites bearing everything from ripe avocado to deep-red strawberries, your delighted guests will never guess that your plan was as budget-friendly as can be.
Need a little flavor inspiration during your pre-toast shopping trip? Here are six sweet and savory recipe options that elevate easygoing baguettes and produce to next-level status.
SAVORY TOASTS
Creamy Avocado & Cherry Tomato Toasts
Avocado toast is a classic for a reason. Simple as it seems, the marriage of lime-spiked avocado mash and ripe summer tomatoes is undeniably satisfying and a guaranteed slam dunk for all palates. Get the recipe >>
Hummus & Cucumber Toasts
Cukes and hummus are a natural duo, especially when teamed up over toast. An exercise in contrast, crunchy cucumber plays foil to the smooth hummus and helps soothe the heat of red pepper flakes. Get the recipe >>
Creamed Mushrooms on Cheesy Herb Toasts
Who said toast can’t be fancy? Slipping a little brandy and creme fraiche (or sour cream) into sauteed mushrooms gives these bites a velvety flavor and texture that will have guests hooked. Get the recipe >>
SWEET TOASTS
Strawberries & Cream Toasts
Honey-sweetened cream cheese sets the scene for perky summer strawberries on these toasts, which are amped up even further with a strawberry jelly glaze. Get the recipe >>
Blueberry Toasts with Lemon Ricotta
Take advantage of peak blueberry season by plopping them over lemon-laced ricotta toast and treating them to a shower of slivered almonds and lemon zest. Get the recipe >>
Chocolate-Hazelnut & Raspberry Toasts
Rich chocolate spread provides an inviting bed for summer-fresh raspberries, and that sweet-tart combo is complemented with crushed hazelnuts and a fine dusting of powdered sugar. Get the recipe >>
Once you’ve got your toasts prepped and ready to party, set an outdoor table with various platters, cutting boards and cake plates for displaying the different variations. Whip up a pitcher of lemonade or punch to serve alongside and don’t forget a stack of small plates and napkins so that guests can grab and go without leaving a trail of toast crumbs behind them as they mingle.
Way to go, host with the toast—that’s one good looking summer party scene—and it’s all thanks to that bakery section all-star, the trusty, multitalented baguette (and some friends from the produce aisle, of course).