Herb Butter Toast with Flaky Salt

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices crusty artisan bread (such as sourdough or baguette)

→ Compound Herb Butter

02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

04 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

05 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

06 - 1 garlic clove, minced

07 - 1/2 tsp lemon zest

08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

09 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

→ Finishing

10 - Flaky sea salt, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F or set a broiler to high.

02 - In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, black pepper, and fine sea salt until fully combined.

03 - Lightly toast the bread slices in the oven or under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until crisp and lightly golden.

04 - Spread a generous layer of compound herb butter onto each warm toast.

05 - Return the toasts to the oven or broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the butter melts and the edges of the bread are golden.

06 - Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It takes longer to say the name than to actually make it, which means more time for the things that matter.
Your kitchen will smell like a French bistro without the pretension or the bill.
This is the kind of simple thing that somehow tastes like you know what you're doing.

02 -

Softened butter is non-negotiable; trying to mix cold butter with herbs is like trying to fold cold dough—you'll end up frustrated and with lumpy results.
The second toasting is crucial because rushing past it means the butter sits on top of the bread rather than melding into it, and the texture suffers.

03 -