Save I'll never forget the first time I made these Sparkling Champagne Toasts for my sister's engagement party. I was nervous, wanting everything to feel special, and as I arranged those little golden-dusted toasts on a platter, I realized how the simplest ingredients—creamy cheese, a few grapes, and a whisper of prosecco—could transform into something that felt genuinely luxurious. Now, whenever I need to celebrate something worth celebrating, I reach for this recipe.
I remember my mum watching me carefully place each grape on its little cheese cushion, and she said, "You know, it's not the gold that makes this special—it's that you're thinking about the people eating it." That moment taught me that appetizers aren't just about being fancy; they're about offering someone a little moment of joy before dinner even starts.
Ingredients
- Creamy white cheese (Brie or Camembert), 120g: This is your foundation—the richness that makes each bite feel indulgent. I learned the hard way that removing the rind matters; it keeps the texture smooth and spreadable. Let it sit out for a few minutes before slicing so it cooperates with you.
- Fresh goat cheese (chèvre), 60g: Soften this at room temperature first, and it becomes almost cloud-like to spread. It adds a subtle tang that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the prosecco grapes.
- Seedless green grapes, 18: These are your jewels. Choose ones that feel firm and fresh; they'll hold the prosecco beautifully and provide that gorgeous pop of flavor.
- Prosecco, 120ml: Or use Champagne if you're feeling truly celebratory. This isn't about cooking off the alcohol—you want those bubbles to infuse the grapes and give them a sophisticated, slightly tipsy flavor.
- White baguette slices, 12: Thin slices are your friend here. Toast them just until they have a little crunch but still feel delicate. Gluten-free bread works beautifully too if that's what your guests need.
- Edible gold dust or glitter: This is pure magic in a jar. A light dusting is all you need—it catches the light and makes people smile the moment they see the platter.
- Honey and flaky sea salt: Both optional, but I've found that a tiny drizzle of honey and a whisper of sea salt elevate these from pretty to unforgettable.
Instructions
- Invite the grapes to a bubbly soak:
- Pour your prosecco or Champagne over the grapes in a small bowl and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. Watch as they seem to plump up slightly, soaking in all that elegant flavor. This is where the magic happens—the grapes become little flavor bombs.
- Toast your canvas:
- Lightly toast the bread slices until they have just a touch of color and a gentle crunch. Don't overdo it; you want them to still feel delicate under your fingertips. Let them cool to room temperature so the cheese doesn't melt the moment it touches the toast.
- Spread the goat cheese base:
- Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of softened goat cheese onto each cooled toast. This is your anchor layer—it keeps everything in place while adding that subtle tangy note.
- Layer in the luxury:
- Carefully place a slice of the creamy white cheese over the goat cheese. You can let it cover the whole toast or arrange it slightly askew for a more artistic look. Both feel equally celebratory.
- Crown with grapes:
- Drain your prosecco-soaked grapes well and pat them gently dry. Place one or two grapes on top of each toast, pressing them in ever so slightly so they nestle into the cheese. This is when you'll understand why people love these things.
- Dust with stardust:
- With a light hand, sprinkle edible gold dust or glitter over each toast. You're not going for heavy; you're going for shimmer. A little catches the light beautifully and makes people feel special.
- The optional finishing touches:
- If you're using honey, drizzle just a tiny bit over the gold. If you're using flaky sea salt, sprinkle the smallest pinch. These aren't necessary, but they add layers of flavor that make people pause and say, "What is that?"
- Arrange and serve:
- Transfer your toasts to a serving platter and serve immediately. They're at their most gorgeous and delicious right away, when the cheese is still cool and the toast still has its crunch.
Save At my best friend's wedding reception, someone told me these little toasts were the thing they remembered most from the whole night. Not the fancy catering, not the elaborate cake—these little golden bites. That's when I understood that sometimes the smallest, simplest gestures of care are the ones people carry with them.
The Art of Make-Ahead Magic
Here's what I've learned about timing: You can prepare almost everything hours before your guests arrive. Toast and cool your bread, soften your goat cheese, slice your creamy cheese, and soak your grapes all in the morning. Keep the bread in an airtight container, the cheeses covered in the fridge, and the drained grapes in a small bowl. Then, about 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, do your final assembly. This way, you're not stressed when people arrive; you're present, relaxed, and genuinely enjoying the celebration.
Flavor Pairing and Wine Wisdom
These toasts are designed to drink beautifully with Champagne or sparkling wine. The prosecco-soaked grapes echo the wine you're serving, creating this lovely continuity of flavor. I've also learned that if someone in your crowd prefers still wine, these work wonderfully alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a light Pinot Grigio. The beauty of this recipe is that it complements rather than competes with what's in the glass.
Variations Worth Exploring
Once you've made these a few times, you'll start seeing possibilities everywhere. I've swapped mascarpone for goat cheese on nights when I wanted something richer, and used ricotta when I wanted a slightly lighter touch. I've tried soaking the grapes in sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that was just as lovely. I've even experimented with edible flowers instead of gold dust when I wanted something a bit more botanical. Trust your instincts and play with what you have—this recipe is forgiving and wants to celebrate however you're celebrating.
- Try edible flowers like crystallized violets or rose petals for a delicate, romantic variation
- Experiment with red or black grapes if that's what's in your fruit bowl—the flavor is just as beautiful
- If you don't have edible gold, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds color and a subtle nutty note
Save Every time I make these, I'm reminded that celebration doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful. These toasts say, "I'm glad you're here, and I took a moment to make something beautiful just for you." That's everything, really.
Kitchen Help
- → What cheeses work best for this appetizer?
Creamy white cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair beautifully with soft goat cheese for a rich, balanced texture.
- → How long should the grapes soak in prosecco?
Soak the grapes for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavor and ensure a juicy, sparkling bite.
- → Can gluten-free bread be used?
Yes, substituting gluten-free baguette slices maintains the crunchy base without compromising taste.
- → What alternatives are there to prosecco for soaking grapes?
Sparking white grape juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute that retains effervescence and sweetness.
- → How does edible gold dust affect the flavor?
Edible gold adds visual elegance without altering the delicate flavors of the cheeses and fruit.
- → Is the honey optional?
Yes, honey adds a subtle sweetness and complements the creamy cheese, but it can be omitted if preferred.