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Northern Flavor Toasts

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

These filling toasts combine northern flavors: smoked duck, sweet apple compote, and rich cheese. A sweet-savory complete dish.

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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:43:09 GMT
Two toast slices topped with duck, apples, nuts, and herbs served on a white plate. Pin it
Two toast slices topped with duck, apples, nuts, and herbs served on a white plate. | tasteofsavor.com

When I'm craving something special, I whip up my signature toast that blends sweet caramelized apples with delicate smoked duck breast, all topped with melty Maroilles cheese. It's truly amazing on its own with just a small green salad for a light, flavor-packed dinner.

A tasty combo that makes perfect sense

I'm crazy about how this toast plays with different flavors - the sweetness of my soft apples, the boldness of Maroilles, and the rich smoked duck breast. It's my quick fix when I want something delicious without cooking forever or when I need to wow guests with a unique starter.

Shopping list for 2 people

  • Country bread: 2 thick slices I lightly toast in the oven.
  • Apples: 5 small Royal Gala or Golden that I turn into a buttery compote.
  • Smoked duck breast: 12 thin trimmed slices.
  • Maroilles cheese: Half a cheese cut into slices.
  • Walnuts: A few kernels for crunchiness.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle for the bread.
  • Salt and pepper: Added to taste.

My simple step-by-step approach

Getting the apples ready
I skin and slice my apples, gently cook them with butter, add water if needed, and season them.
Toasting the bread
I brush my slices with olive oil and put them in the oven at 200°C until they turn golden brown.
Building my toasts
I spread plenty of apple mixture, lay out duck slices, add my Maroilles and walnuts with some freshly ground pepper.
Melting the cheese
Into the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes until my cheese gets all melted and golden.
Two bread slices topped with apples, duck breast, walnuts and parsley, drizzled with olive oil. Pin it
Two bread slices topped with apples, duck breast, walnuts and parsley, drizzled with olive oil. | tasteofsavor.com

My handy tips

I always go for good dense country bread for more character. I prefer apples with a slight tartness as they balance the flavors better. I serve my toasts with a well-dressed salad and sometimes add fresh thyme which really brings everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the apple spread ahead of time?

Yes, cook the apple spread a day before and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before adding it to the toasts.

→ Which apples work best?

Pick Golden or Royal Gala apples—they’re nicely balanced. Avoid overly tart ones as they’ll overpower the taste.

→ How to pick the right cheese?

Go for a soft, well-aged cheese with a mild kick. It should melt smoothly for the ultimate texture.

→ Any alternatives for the cheese?

You can swap the cheese for Munster or Reblochon. Just pick something creamy and flavorful.

→ What’s a good way to serve them?

Serve hot from the oven with a green salad. Toss a few crushed walnuts on top for extra crunch.

Apple Duck Cheese Toasts

Smoky duck meets house-made apple topping and gooey cheese on these hearty toasts. Sweet and savory perfection.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 2 Servings (2 open-faced toasts)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 A couple slices of rustic country bread.
02 A drizzle of olive oil.
03 12 thin slices of smoked duck breast.
04 5 small apples, like Royal Gala or Golden.
05 Half a chunk of maroilles cheese.
06 Some walnut halves.
07 A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
08 A dab of butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel the apples and chop them into chunks.

Step 02

Melt the butter over a skillet. Toss in the apples, season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water every now and then until you’ve got a nice chunky applesauce.

Step 03

Brush the bread slices with olive oil and set them on a baking tray.

Step 04

Set your oven to preheat at 200°C, grill mode. Slide the bread in and toast for 10 minutes, or until crunchy.

Step 05

Spread the apple mix over the toasted bread. Layer on the duck breast (trim any fat off), then top with slices of maroilles. Sprinkle with cracked pepper and scatter the walnut halves.

Step 06

Bake at 180°C for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and golden brown.

Notes

  1. A hearty dish blending the sweetness of apples with the savory duck and bold maroilles.
  2. Pair with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • Skillet.
  • Baking tray.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products.
  • Wheat/gluten.
  • Tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g