Parmesan Toast, plus Truffle Honey

This Parmesan Toast, plus Truffle Honey is made with a few simple ingredients, but the combination of crispy, golden cheese, toasted bread, and sweet truffle honey makes it feel fancy! Make it for one, or go mini for the most addictive appetizer.

Slices of Parmesan toast on a wooden board.

It's fancy toast time, and we seriously shouldn't call this one a recipe. But alas, we are, so we can prove to you that bread and cheese can be pure magic.

This toast is inspired by our favorite charcuterie pairing: Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano) served with a drizzle of truffle honey. It makes its way to every cheese board we prepare because it's simple, yet elegant. There's something about the salty cheese and the sweet and savory honey that hits all the right notes.

You'll love making this Parmesan toast, not for the flavor, but because the cheese forms a delicate, lacy crust right on the bread. And let's face it, it's plain fun. And if you're thinking We don't own truffle honey, you crazy brunch lady that's totally fine. use the regular stuff!

Key ingredients

All you need to make this Parmesan toast is grated cheese (the real deal, please), sturdy bread such as sourdough, olive oil, and the smallest drizzle of truffle honey.

Medufino garlic tartufi in glass jar with spoon on wooden surface.

Wondering where to buy truffle honey? It's easier to find than you might think. Our local grocery store sells it near the fresh cheese section (but also check the honey aisle). Otherwise, it can be purchased at specialty stores such as Whole Foods, big-box stores such as Walmart, and online retailers (which is where we get our truffle butter).

Step-by-step instructions

Coat the bread in olive oil, add Parmesan to a heated pan, and place the bread over the cheese until crusty goodness appears!

Slices of oiled bread on a cutting board.

Step 1. Spread a thin layer of olive oil on the bread.

Step 2. Heat the pan, then add the cheese directly on the pan.

Bread on top of Parmesan cheese in a black skillet.

Step 3. Place the bread directly over the cheese, pressing down slightly.

Parmesan crusted toast in a black skillet.

Step 4. Cook until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese forms a crust.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Expert tips

Use as much cheese as you need to cover the bread. It's hard to give an exact amount of cheese, since bread slices vary in size. Use enough to cover your bread.
Put cheese on one or both sides. This is a personal preference. Since Parmesan can be salty, one layer of cheese may be enough. If you skip the cheese on the reverse side, toast the bread in olive oil instead.

Swaps

Want to switch things up a bit? Play with the flavors to make it our own.

Hot honey. Skip the truffle honey and use regular or hot honey.
Cacio e pepe. Add freshly ground black pepper to the grated cheese for a spin on the Roman classic.
Garlic-Parmesan. Rub the bread lightly with a cut garlic clove before searing in the Parmesan.
Pesto. Before drizzling the bread with olive oil, add a thin layer of pesto.

Overhead of Parmesan toast on a wooden board.

What does Parmesan toast go with?

This toast is solid on its own for breakfast or lunch, or when you're feeling a little extra. You can make one at a time, or cut the toast into smaller pieces and serve it as an easy appetizer.

For brunch, serve it with our goat cheese eggs a simple salad or one of your favorite savory brunch dishes. The salty Parmesan and sweet honey also make it a great addition to a cheese or charcuterie board.

Storage and prep

This is a make-as-you-go situation, so we recommend you prepare only what you can eat. If you do have any leftovers, store them wrapped in the fridge for a few days. A quick refresh in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a low oven until it crisps up will work.

Slices of Parmesan toast on a wooden board with honey in the background.

Kitchen questions

What other cheese can we use?

Pecorino Romano is a close cousin to Parmesan and works well here. The same concept can be applied to white cheddar, Gruyère, fontina, or Asiago.

What bread is best for Parmesan toast?

Skip the Wonder bread and opt for something sturdy and crusty like Sourdough, multigrain, or a country loaf. If you have access to an olive loaf or herby bread, this would work too.

Can this toast be made in the oven?

Technically, yes, but you won't get the same lacy cheese effect as you would in a skillet. To toast in the oven, oil the bread, place the cheese on top, and bake at 400F for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown on top. Flip and toast the other side. Remove from the oven and drizzle the truffle honey over the toast while still warm.