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A classic French snack of just 4 ingredients that is a surprisingly delicious, elegant lunch or snack treat that takes 5 minutes to make!
While this technically is a recipe as it’s a list of ingredients and a set of steps to create a result, it’s probably the EASIEST thing you’ll ever “make”.
Radishes are one of those vegetables that rarely get the limelight. Most think of them as that added bit of extra heat or color that’s on a salad bar. Well, I’m here to show you that radishes are incredible and are a true showstopper!
We were fancy and didn’t know it!
This dish is something I grew up eating however it wasn’t until 9th-grade French class did I find out that this was actually a classic French snack.
Growing up on 41 acres we grew almost all of our fruits and vegetables. Radishes were always in our garden. My job was to pluck them from the soil, shake ’em clean and hand them over to Mom.
Being as picky as I was, I refused to try them as they weren’t potatoes or corn. But then my Mom brought out the bread and butter (she knew my weakness) and it was all she wrote!
By toasting up fresh bread, slathering on creamy butter, topping it with a few slices of radishes, and finishing with salt, I was introduced to one of the best snacks ever!
Ingredients needed to make this AMAZING snack
- 1 bunch of French Breakfast Radishes, washed and leaves/roots removed *Save the leaves – see below!
- 1 stick European butter, unsalted *you can use regular butter but the European butter has a more rich flavor
- Finishing Salt Flakes or Fleur de Sel
- Toasted baguette or rustic bread slices
If your store doesn’t carry those radishes, you can order them online using the link above or use another radish variety.
Radish varieties
For years I only ever knew about those round, red radishes with leafy green tops. It wasn’t until later on when ingredients became more readily available and I was in more of a commercial food setting did I become educated on the wide variety of radishes.
Most of us equate those “common” radishes with heat or a bite. Those do work in this recipe but honestly, my favorite to use are French Breakfast Radishes.
My friends from Melissa’s Produce sent me recently a box of produce to sample of which included were these radishes.
French breakfast radishes are milder in flavor and almost sweet. They definitely don’t have that heat punch we’re used to. They are perfect in this recipe.
Not all salts are the same
I’m sure most of you have heard of Finishing Salt Flakes or Fleur de Sel and Maldon Sea Salt. These are drastically different than Kosher or regular table (iodized salt). While Mom only ever used iodized (as that’s all we had), trust me when I say that you really don’t want to use that in this recipe.
Invest in quality salt. Finishing Salt Flakes, Fleur de Sel, and Maldon Sea Salt is what’s known as “Finishing salts”. They are put on right before serving a dish to add that last bit of flavor elevation of a bright and clean profile.
While most folks use them interchangeably, they are different.
- Fleur de Sel is bright and oceanic. It’s “moist” in the sense that the flakes stick together a bit. This keeps the salt from dissolving instantly on the tongue which allows the flavor to be more long-lasting. It also has a more grayish hue due to the minerals in the ocean(s) it’s harvested from.
- Maldon Sea Salt is dry. Thus when it hits the tongue, it tends to melt faster. This salt is also stark white like regular salt due to how it’s processed.
In my pics, my salt looks white but it’s actually more of a light gray in person.
However, if all you have is Maldon Sea Salt, you can most certainly use this in the recipe!
How to make Toasted Bread Slices (crostini)
You can use any baguette or rustic country bread.
- Slice the bread at an angle to get elongated slices.
- Brush one side lightly with olive oil and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the bread at 400F for 6-8 minutes or until the tops start to toast lightly.
- Remove from the oven, brush the other side with the remaining oil and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven when done.
The bread should be toasted but not super hard.
Presentation/Assembling your toast
Now if you’ve never had this before OR your guests haven’t either, I find it easier to make a few up, place it on a tray and leave the rest set up on a board for folks to make themselves. I find it to be prettier and more elegant.
However, it’s totally OK if you want to make them all up ahead of time but I would not add the salt until right before serving.
- Liberally spread the butter on each slice of toast
- Garnish with a few slices of radishes
- Finish with a sprinkling of fleur de sel
Uses for Radish Leaves
I was taught at a very young age to waste as little as possible. Radish leaves are not only delicious, but they are also good for you!
- Clean the leaves and toss them in a pan coated with olive oil. Saute them with garlic, salt, and pepper as a great greens side dish.
- Pesto – just swap out basil leaves for the radish top leaves.
- Chimichurri – swap the cilantro for radish greens.
- In a salad – these are great mixed in with arugula and a spring mix. I personally like it with a dijon vinaigrette.
French Radishes with Butter and Salt on toast
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: French
A classic French snack of just 4 ingredients that is a surprisingly delicious, elegant lunch or snack treat that takes 5 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch French Breakfast Radishes, washed and leaves/roots removed
- 1 stick European butter, unsalted
- Finishing Salt Flakes or Fleur de Sel
- Toasted baguette or rustic bread slices
Instructions
- Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the radishes into long, thin slices.
- To the top of each slice of toast, spread on a layer of butter, top with radish slices and sprinkle with Fleur de Del.
- Enjoy!
Jess says
I LOVE recipes with few ingredients and this recipe is justt hat! What a delicious snack! I can’t wait to try it out!
TKWAdmin says
Thank you so much Jess! Definitely give these a try!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Marisa F. Stewart says
My mouth is watering just looking at the simple appetizer/breakfast. We always have different kinds of sea salt available. I like the flaky ones for finishing. We rarely use table/iodized salt. I’m definitely going to keep my eye our for the French Radishes.
TKWAdmin says
You can also use watermelon radishes or the cherry belle variety but those can be a little hotter. Either way, definitely try these!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Paula Montenegro says
So simple and SO delicious! This is a wonderful idea for a dinner party. And the tip to use the leaves for pesto is spot on. Love it!
TKWAdmin says
Thank you so much Paula! I ate these every day for a week because I’m so in love with this dish!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Danielle says
It’s amazing how there is certain produce that we don’t actually use as much in our cooking. I guess radishes are a good example, yet look at this recipe – an absolutely must-try!
TKWAdmin says
I know, right?! I hope you try this as it’s such an easy but absolutely delicious recipe to have under your belt!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Anna says
What a great idea for a healthier snack! I love radish for its crunchy texture and that peppery taste! This would be a perfect nibble to serve at any gathering!
TKWAdmin says
Thank you so much! Agreed, they are healthy and trust me…folks will devour them!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Çitra's Home Diary says
I love simple dish. And I love radish in many ways, eat fresh, pickles or in salad. Thank you for sharing this idea
TKWAdmin says
You’re most welcome! I can’t wait for you to try this!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Paige says
I LOVE french breakfast radishes! They are the best for snacks before a big dinner ..this looks like a really tasty version!
TKWAdmin says
I agree! They are filling without weighing heavy in your tummy. Plus they are super healthy for you!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Chef Dennis says
This French Radishes with Butter and Salt on toast is really a perfect match! It’s making me super hungry that I could hear my tummy growl.
TKWAdmin says
Then I’m doing my job Chef Dennis! When I can make folks hungry and their tummy growl, you know you’re doing something right! 🙂
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Kelly Anthony says
I love how simple yet elegant these french radish toast are. These are sure to impress any guest!
TKWAdmin says
Thank you! They are just so colorful and easy. Plus super budget-friendly!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Samantha says
This looks absolutely delicious Lori! I hate radishes as a kid but now I’m obsessed with them! I cannot wait to try this!
TKWAdmin says
HAHA you sound like how I was until Mom added butter and salt. After that, I was hooked! I’ll eat them raw. They are such a great snack!
Best Kitchen Wishes!