Toast Basket With Butter & Jam Recipe

Prepare bread

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly trim the crusts from the bread slices if desired to create clean edges. Using a rolling pin, press each slice to flatten slightly (this makes them more pliable for shaping).

Form baskets

Brush one side of each flattened bread slice lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Fit each slice into the cups of a standard 6-cup muffin tin, oil/brushed side against the tin, pressing gently to form a basket shape with the center lower than the edges. If slices are too large, trim to fit; if too small, overlap edges of two slices to form a basket.

Bake until golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until edges are golden brown and the basket holds its shape. If the center puffs and loses shape, press down gently with the back of a spoon for the last 2 minutes of baking. Remove from oven and transfer baskets to a wire rack to cool slightly before unmolding.

Optional crisp finish

For an extra-crispy basket, brush the inside with a little more melted butter and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes more. Sprinkle a light pinch of coarse salt on the inside edges if using.

Soften and whip butter

While baskets bake, place the room-temperature butter in a bowl and beat with a fork or hand mixer for 1–2 minutes until smooth and slightly aerated. If making honey butter, add the honey and continue to beat until fully incorporated.

Season and portion

Taste and add a few flakes of sea salt if desired. Spoon the whipped butter into a small ramekin or portion into balls using a small scoop for serving in the toast baskets.

Warm jams (optional)

Spoon each jam into separate small serving bowls. To make them spreadable and slightly glossy, warm each bowl in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat gently in a small saucepan over low heat until loosened. Stir to smooth.

Portion

Place small spoons or a jam knife in each bowl for easy spreading. Portion jams into small dishes sized to fit inside the toast baskets when assembled.

Fill baskets

Once the toast baskets are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, place a portion of whipped butter into 2–3 baskets and a spoonful of different jams into other baskets so guests can mix and match. Reserve one or two plain baskets for spreading both butter and jam together.

Garnish

Add a few fresh berries into or beside some baskets and top with mint leaves if using for a fresh contrast and color.

Serve

Arrange the filled toast baskets on a serving platter. Provide small butter knives or spreaders and extra jam bowls on the side. Serve immediately so baskets remain crisp; if not serving immediately, keep filled baskets in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) for up to 10 minutes to maintain warmth and crispness.