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Flavorful Northern Toasts

Featured in Sandwiches packed with flavor.

These rich toasts bring together Northern favorites like smoked duck, homemade apple compote, and the bold taste of maroilles. A satisfying blend of sweet and savory in one dish.

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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:42:19 GMT
Two slices of bread topped with meat, apples, nuts, and herbs, served on a white plate. Pin it
Two slices of bread topped with meat, apples, nuts, and herbs, served on a white plate. | tastyhush.com

When I'm treating myself, I whip up my signature toast that blends sweet caramelized apples with delicate smoked duck breast, all topped with melty maroilles cheese. It's a real treat that stands on its own with a small green salad for a light, flavor-packed dinner.

A tasty combo that makes perfect sense

I love how this toast plays with contrasts - the sweetness of my soft apples, the boldness of maroilles, and the character of smoked duck breast. It's my quick fix when I want something delicious without spending hours cooking or when I need to wow guests with a unique starter.

Shopping list for two

  • Country bread: 2 nice slices lightly toasted in the oven.
  • Apples: 5 small Royal Gala or Golden turned into buttery compote.
  • Smoked duck breast: 12 thin trimmed slices.
  • Maroilles cheese: Half a cheese cut into slices.
  • Walnuts: A few kernels for crunch.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle for the bread.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.

Simple step-by-step guide

Getting the apples ready
I peel and cut my apples, slowly cook them with butter, add a bit of 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're nicely golden.
Building my toasts
I spread plenty of apple compote, lay out duck breast slices, add maroilles and walnuts with a twist of pepper.
The melting part
Into the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes until my cheese is perfectly melted and golden.
Two slices of bread topped with apples, duck breast, walnuts and parsley, drizzled with olive oil. Pin it
Two slices of bread topped with apples, duck breast, walnuts and parsley, drizzled with olive oil. | tastyhush.com

My helpful tips

I always pick a good dense country bread for more character. I go for slightly tart apples 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 you make the apple compote ahead?

Sure, you can prep the compote the day before and keep it chilled. Just heat it gently before putting the toasts together.

→ Which apples work best?

Go for Royal Gala or Golden varieties—they're nicely balanced between sweet and tangy. Skip overly sour apples to keep the flavors smooth.

→ How do you pick the maroilles?

Opt for a well-aged maroilles that's creamy but not overly sharp. It should melt easily for perfect toasts.

→ What can I use instead of maroilles?

If you’re out of maroilles, sub it with munster or reblochon. Just use a cheese that melts well and has a bold taste.

→ How should I serve these toasts?

Serve them hot right from the oven alongside a leafy green salad. Toss in a few crushed walnuts at the end for extra crunch.

Apple Duck Cheese Toast

These loaded toasts pair savory smoked duck with sweet-tart homemade apple compote and gooey maroilles for a unique flavor mix.

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

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 2 Servings (2 slices)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 A small knob of butter.
02 A drizzle of olive oil.
03 2 slices of rustic bread.
04 A pinch of salt and fresh-ground pepper.
05 Half a piece of maroilles cheese.
06 12 slices of smoked duck breast.
07 A handful of walnut halves.
08 5 small Royal Gala or Golden apples.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel the apples first, then chop them up into pieces.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a pan. Toss the apple pieces in, add some salt and pepper, and keep adding water while cooking until it's soft like applesauce.

Step 03

Drizzle olive oil on the bread slices and set them out on a baking tray.

Step 04

Set your grill to 200°C and preheat. Toast the bread in the oven for about 10 minutes until it’s golden and crunchy.

Step 05

Spread the cooked apples on the toasted bread. Layer the duck slices (remove any fat) and the cheese slices on top, then sprinkle with walnuts and season with pepper.

Step 06

Pop it in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes. Let the cheese melt and turn golden.

Notes

  1. A dish that blends the sweetness of apples, the savory duck, and the bold flavor of maroilles.
  2. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced 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.
  • 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