A humble slice of toast can be a beautiful thing, but if you're looking to take things up a level or two, we've got just the recipes for you.

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Scandinavia has got it right with their smørrebrød (open sandwiches) – think thick slices of crusty rye bread generously topped with pickles, fish, boiled eggs and more. Not only do they look stunning, they taste amazing too – the perfect blend of savoury, tart and crunchy.

Or why not try a Mediterranean-inspired toast, French tartine, or crisp Italian-style bruschetta. If you need some cosy comfort, cheesy rarebit is hard to beat.

Now discover our cheese on toast recipes, avocado toast ideas, 10 things to do with smoked salmon and more savoury breakfast inspiration.

Easy toast topper ideas

1. Fig, burrata & prosciutto tartine

Figs, taleggio and prosciutto on toast garnished with herbs and olive oil dressing

This fig, burrata and prosciutto tartine looks and sounds impressive but is in fact incredibly easy to make, taking just 10 minutes all-in. Slices of sourdough make the perfect base for loading up with the salty, sweet and creamy toppings. Discover more ways with figs.

2. Turbo beans

Spicy beans on toast with melted cheese on top, on a plate with a fork

Beans on toast are given a serious flavour supercharge with smoky chipotle, plenty of garlic and melting cheddar. Use your favourite beans – kidney and cannellini work well. Try more recipes with kidney beans.

3. Nettle & blue cheese rarebit

Nettle and melted blue cheese on two pieces of white toast

Try an original twist on the traditional rarebit with nettles and tangy blue cheese, balanced by delicate crème fraîche and wholegrain mustard. If you can’t get hold of nettles you can always use spinach. If you can get your hands on some, try more recipes with nettles.

4. Ricotta, blackberry & pine nut tartine

Ricotta, blackberry, mint and toasted pine nuts on two pieces of toast on a plate

Who says toasts have to be savoury? For anyone with a sweet tooth, this sweet and creamy toast topper is sure to hit the spot. Blackberries have a whole host of health benefits, as well as providing a tart contrast to the fresh ricotta. Scatter with mint leaves and toasted pine nuts for a brunch with a difference.

5. Tofu scramble

Crumbled tofu on rye bread with tomatoes and fresh herbs on a plate

For a nourishing breakfast that will help keep you full until lunchtime, try our tofu scramble on rye bread. Crumble firm tofu into a pan and season with turmeric, cumin and smoked paprika to create a vegan egg alternative. Try more firm tofu recipes.

6. Smoked mackerel & beetroot toast topper

Flaked mackerel and fresh dill on a creme fraiche topping on toast

A smørrebrød-inspired topper, this toast is spread with a herby lemon sour cream and beetroot mix, flaked mackerel fillet and a smattering of chopped dill. If you're a fan of the earthy root vegetable, try more ways with beetroot.

7. Smashed cannellini bean tartine

Smashed cannellini beans on toast with feta and a rocket side salad on a plate

This is a speedy weekday saviour that looks and tastes great and is packed with protein from the cannellini beans. Whizz up a tin with lemon juice and zest plus garlic for a refreshingly citrussy tartine. If you want to make it plant-based you can easily swap the feta for a vegan alternative.

8. Beetroot egg salad tartine

Beetroot and egg salad on two pieces of toast on a plate with cutlery and a side salad

Punchy cornichons, fresh dill and earthy beetroot give this egg salad a Scandi-style makeover. Spread generously on toasted wholemeal bread, adding a sprinkling of mixed seeds for extra nutritional benefit. Now try our sardines & peperonata on wholemeal toast for more wholegrain goodness.

9. Boiled egg, avocado & quick pickled radish tartine

Avocado on toast with soft boiled eggs and quick pickled radishes

We couldn’t leave avocado toast off this list altogether – although this one has had a serious revamp. Quick-pickled crunchy radishes bring it up to 2 of your 5-a-day, while soft-boiled eggs add protein to make it a satisfying brunch or light lunch. Now try more recipes with radishes.

10. Spring onion & halloumi bruschetta with carrot & saffron salsa

Carrot salsa and spring onions on halloumi on toast

A creative take on bruschetta, this one is first layered with a slice of salty pan-fried halloumi, followed by a saffron-roasted carrot salsa. It's impressive enough to serve as a dinner party starter or simply rejuvenate a weekend brunch.

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Enjoyed these? Discover more breakfast and brunch inspiration...

Weekend recipes
Top 10 French toast ideas
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10 ways with overnight oats

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