Crispy Parmesan Garlic Toast Soldiers

Golden, crunchy toast sticks with a savoury garlic-butter perfume — perfect for nibbling between meals.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread (any kind)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated (or very finely minced)
• 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan (or any hard, salty cheese you have)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Heat the oven

  Preheat to **220°C / 430°F (200°C fan)**.

• 2

  Step 2: Make the garlic butter

  In a small bowl, mix **butter + oil + garlic + a pinch of salt + pepper** until smooth.

• 3

  Step 3: Spread and cheese

  Place bread on a baking tray. Spread the garlic butter **edge-to-edge** (this is where the flavour is!). Sprinkle parmesan evenly over the top and lightly press it in with your fingers so it sticks.

• 4

  Step 4: Bake until golden and crisp

  Bake **6–8 minutes**, until the cheese is **melted** and the bread edges are **deep golden**. If you want extra colour, switch to **grill/broil for 30–60 seconds** at the end.

• 5

  Step 5: Cool briefly, then slice into “soldiers”

  Rest **1 minute** (hot cheese burns!). Use a serrated knife to cut each slice into **3–4 sticks**. Sprinkle parsley if using.

Tips

• **No parmesan?** Use any firm, salty cheese you’ve got (grated). Softer cheeses melt fine but won’t get as crisp.
• **Garlic too strong?** Use half a clove, or mince it extra-fine so it “disappears” into the butter.
• **Make-ahead:** Mix the garlic butter up to **3 days** ahead and keep refrigerated; soften before spreading.
• **How to serve:** Eat as-is, or dip into whatever you have (even plain yoghurt with salt and pepper works in a pinch).

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)