📝 About This Recipe
An iconic Australian staple, this dish is a masterclass in the balance of salty, umami, and creamy flavors. The secret lies in the golden ratio of high-quality cultured butter to the bold, savory punch of the yeast extract, all set atop a perfectly charred slice of artisanal bread. It is a comforting, soul-warming breakfast that provides a sophisticated kick-start to your morning routine.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation
- 2 slices Sourdough Bread (thick-cut, preferably from a fresh boule)
- 2 tablespoons Salted Cultured Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vegemite (genuine concentrated yeast extract)
Elevated Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/2 Avocado (ripe and thinly sliced)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (for a subtle heat)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Chives (finely minced)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 slice Sharp Cheddar Cheese (optional for a 'Cheesymite' variation)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by selecting your bread; a thick-cut sourdough provides the necessary structural integrity and a pleasant tang to complement the yeast extract.
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2
Place your bread slices into a wide-slot toaster or under a preheated broiler set to medium-high heat.
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3
Toast the bread for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and the center is crisp but still slightly yielding.
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4
While the bread toasts, ensure your butter is at room temperature; cold butter will tear the delicate crumb of the toast.
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5
Immediately remove the toast from the heat source. Speed is essential here to ensure the butter melts deep into the pores of the bread.
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6
Apply a generous tablespoon of salted butter to each slice, spreading right to the very edges of the crust.
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7
Allow the butter to sit for 10 seconds until it has turned into a shimmering golden pool on the surface.
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8
Using a small palette knife or a butter knife, scoop a tiny amount of Vegemite—roughly the size of a pea—for each slice.
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9
Gently 'streak' the Vegemite through the melted butter. Do not aim for a solid black layer; look for a marbled, tiger-stripe effect where the yellow butter still peeks through.
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10
If using avocado, layer the slices across the top now, fanning them out for an aesthetic presentation.
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11
Add a final flourish of freshly cracked black pepper and minced chives to brighten the savory profile.
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12
Slice the toast diagonally—an essential step for the authentic Australian experience—and serve immediately while the bread is still steaming.
💡 Chef's Tips
Less is more: Vegemite is a powerful concentrate, so start with a very small amount and increase only once you know your tolerance. The 'Melt Factor' is critical; if the butter hasn't turned into a liquid state on the toast, you won't achieve the signature silky texture. Use high-quality salted butter rather than margarine for a much richer, authentic mouthfeel. If the flavor is too intense for beginners, try a 'Tiger Toast' style by mixing the Vegemite and butter together in a small bowl before spreading. Avoid white sandwich bread if possible, as it lacks the strength to hold the heavy butter and salt content without becoming soggy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a flat white coffee or a strong cup of English Breakfast tea to cut through the saltiness. Serve alongside a soft-poached egg; the runny yolk acts as a beautiful sauce for the salty toast. Add a side of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes seasoned with sea salt. For a sweet-and-salty twist, serve with a small bowl of seasonal tropical fruits like mango or papaya. A cold glass of orange juice provides a bright citrus contrast to the deep umami notes.