The last time I went to the grocery store with my husband he stopped in the deli area and picked up a packet of miniature toasts. "Aren't these cute?" he said. "I bet you could do something awesome with these." How could I resist that?
See? Aren't they cute?
And he was right: These miniature toast bites are one of the best little aids to easy appetizers that I've found in a long time. I don't know if I would call this appetizer awesome (it's very, very basic, actually!) but it has its own pleasures. It's just cream cheese, spicy arugula and chives from the garden, and a drizzle of olive oil. They are cool, delicious, and blazingly quick to make. Our guests made them disappear in about seven minutes, too.
Of course, you don't need petite toasts to make this super-easy appetizer, but they sure are tasty and cute. You could also use crackers, slices of baguette, or even regular toast cut into small pieces.
Cream Cheese and Arugula Toast Bites
a general recipe
Petite toasts
Spreadable cream cheese
Arugula and chives, finely chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Spread the toasts or crackers with cream cheese. Sprinkle with chopped arugula and chives, then with salt and pepper. Finish with a thin drizzle of olive oil. Serve and enjoy!
Related: Appetizer Recipe: Flatbreads with Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions, and Basil
(Images: Faith Durand)
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Isn't all cream cheese spreadable? :|
that looks delicious!
Your husband's "faith" in you is inspiring! These toasts would also be good with just the cream cheese and a drizzle of honey.
I bet basil would be good too on these!
Or goat cheese, rosemary and honey drizzled on top.
Nice idea! I had only ever served these with spinach dip but now I see a whole world of easy crostini opening up for me :)
go you one better-goat cheese, rosemary, chopped walnuts and honey. my fave appetizer bite.
mmmmm, these look so yummy and easy :) I would make these for myself even if I wasn't having a party. I think they would also be delicious with cream cheese, olive tapenade, and a little bit of parsley.
I was looking for simple, fresh vegan appies for a funeral luncheon this coming week, and this fits the bill! I think I'll use tofutti "Better than cream cheese" and mix the chives and maybe some fresh marjoram and tarragon and lemon juice in it first before proceeding with the recipe as described. Simple and tasty finger food!
I made these for guests last night. Gone in a flash! Thanks for the great idea!
A bit of beef carpaccio would make these so colorful and look "fancy". :)
Please, why don't you call "arugula" Rucola as we do here in it's home country??? It sounds sooooo awful to italian ears....please....(if you call pizza pizza, carpaccio carpaccio, and zucchini zucchini...we don't claim a word for hot dog or hamburger.....)
Someone from The Kitchn was near Pittsburgh, hm? I recognize the Market District packaging from Giant Eagle! Mmmm tasty bites from my hometown!