Classic Toast Points

Toast points are easy to make and are the base for a variety of hors d'oeuvres and creamy entrees. Slices of good quality white bread are trimmed of their crusts, then brushed with melted butter, seasoned with salt and pepper, and toasted until crispy. They can be made ahead, meaning you are already one step closer when it comes to preparing your party food.

This recipe is basic, calling for just salt and pepper as the seasoning, making the toast points a perfect foundation for flavorful toppings. However, if your dish will work well with a little extra something, you can add cayenne pepper, onion or garlic powder, dried herbs, or Cajun seasoning.

As simple as this recipe is, there are two things to keep in mind when preparing. First, when cutting off the crusts, it is best to use a serrated knife and a sawing motion to produce the nicest looking toast points. If you simply press down with a non-serrated knife, the sides of the bread will smoosh at the edges and the bread will not brown evenly. And secondly, make sure to only melt the butter until it becomes liquid and doesn't begin to darken; it will continue to cook in the oven and can burn the toast points if the butter has begun to brown.

These toast points make the perfect first layer for creamed dishes, such as a shrimp or lobster Newburg, chicken a la king, creamed peas with mushrooms and onions, or seafood au gratin. They are also ideal for topping with a variety of ingredients, such as sour cream and caviar, blue cheese and fresh figs, and ricotta, olive oil, and fresh herbs.