Save to Pinterest I remember the moment I first served these Sparkling Champagne Toasts at a New Year's Eve dinner—watching my guests' faces light up as they bit into the crispy bread, creamy cheese, and those perfectly boozy grapes was pure magic. It wasn't the gold dust that made them special, though that certainly caught the light beautifully. It was that first sip of prosecco paired with the taste of celebration itself, all balanced on something I could hold in one hand.
Last spring, I made these for a small bridal shower, and one of the bridesmaids told me she'd never tasted anything that felt quite so special. She asked for the recipe three times. That's when I realized these weren't just appetizers—they were little edible moments of joy, something tangible you could hand to someone and say, 'Here, try this happiness.'
Ingredients
- Creamy white cheese (Brie or Camembert), 120 g: This is your foundation—rind removed and sliced thin means it'll spread without fighting you, and the richness is what makes people close their eyes when they taste it
- Fresh goat cheese (chèvre), 60 g: Soften this ahead of time so it spreads like velvet; it brings a gentle tang that keeps things from being too heavy
- Seedless green grapes, 18: They need to be seedless because who wants to fiddle with seeds at a party? Green ones look ethereal against the pale cheese
- Prosecco, 120 ml: The soul of these toasts—it soaks into the grapes and transforms them into tiny flavor bombs; save the rest of the bottle for sipping
- White baguette or gluten-free bread, 12 thin slices: Lightly toasted means crispy outside, still a hint of give inside; don't overdo it or they'll shatter when you bite down
- Edible gold dust or glitter: Pure theater, but the kind that actually tastes like nothing and looks like everything
- Honey, 1 tbsp (optional): A whisper of this adds sophistication if you're feeling it
- Flaky sea salt, a pinch (optional): The salt is what ties it all together—trust me on this one
Instructions
- Soak the grapes in prosecco:
- Pour that sparkling wine over your grapes and let them sit for at least 15 minutes—you'll see them start to look glossy and plump, almost like little jewels. Then drain them carefully and pat them dry with paper towels; any extra liquid will make your toasts soggy
- Toast the bread gently:
- You want them crispy enough to hold up to the cheese and grapes, but not so hard they feel like edible shoe leather. Let them cool completely so the cheese doesn't melt on contact
- Build your base layer:
- Spread that softened goat cheese thin across each toast—think of it like you're painting, not slathering. It should be just enough to taste the tang
- Add the creamy layer:
- Now place a slice of that brie or camembert on top. It'll meld slightly with the goat cheese underneath and create this cloud-like texture
- Crown with a grape:
- Gently press one or two prosecco-soaked grapes into the cheese so they stay put. This is where the magic happens—that slightly boozy, sweet pop against the creamy cheese
- Dust with gold:
- A light sprinkle of edible gold is all you need—it catches the light and makes everything feel ceremonial
- Optional finishing touches:
- If you want, add a tiny drizzle of honey and a whisper of flaky salt. The salt especially brings everything into focus
- Serve right away:
- Arrange them on a platter and get them out there while the bread is still crispy and the whole thing feels fresh and elegant
Save to Pinterest I've learned that the best parties aren't remembered for how much food there was, but for those small moments of delight—and these toasts are made for those moments. They're the kind of appetizer people actually remember eating.
Why This Appetizer Wins Every Time
There's something about serving something elegant that takes almost no time that makes you feel like you've got it all figured out. These toasts are proof that sophistication doesn't require hours of work—it requires choosing good ingredients and letting them shine. The prosecco-soaked grapes are unexpected enough that people ask about them, the gold feels like you went to culinary school, and the flavor combination is just balanced enough that people reach for a second one before you've even finished explaining what's in them.
The Joy of Sparkling Moments
These toasts taste like celebration because they literally include celebration—that prosecco soak is more than just flavor, it's a gesture. When you serve something that sparkles and contains actual sparkle (even if it's edible glitter), you're telling your guests that the moment matters. You're telling them they matter. Food like this bridges the gap between sustenance and experience.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Serve these on a real platter, ideally something that lets them be the stars—white ceramic, pale wood, anything that doesn't compete with that delicate color palette. They pair beautifully with champagne or crisp sparkling wine, obviously, but also work wonderfully alongside oysters, caviar canapés, or even on their own as the statement piece of an appetizer spread. The beauty of these is they're substantial enough to feel like real food but light enough that your guests won't fill up before dinner.
- Make them up to 2 hours ahead and keep them covered loosely in the refrigerator, then pull them out 15 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly
- If you're making these for a crowd, assemble the toast bases and cheese layers ahead, then add grapes and gold right before serving
- For a non-alcoholic version that's just as elegant, soak the grapes in sparkling white grape juice or sparkling cider instead
Save to Pinterest These Sparkling Champagne Toasts are proof that the most memorable meals aren't about complexity—they're about intention. Serve them with pride, watch people's faces, and know that you've just created something worth remembering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should grapes soak in prosecco?
Grapes should soak for at least 15 minutes to absorb the prosecco's flavor without becoming too soft.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of Brie and chèvre?
Yes, mascarpone or ricotta can be substituted for chèvre, while other creamy white cheeses like Camembert work well in place of Brie.
- → What bread works best as the base?
Thinly sliced white baguette toasted to crispness is ideal, but gluten-free bread can be used for dietary needs.
- → Is the edible gold dust safe to consume?
Edible gold dust is specifically made for culinary uses and is safe to eat, adding a festive, shimmering finish.
- → What can I use as a non-alcoholic alternative to prosecco?
Sparkling white grape juice serves as a great substitute, offering similar sweetness and effervescence.
- → How should this appetizer be served for best presentation?
Arrange the toasts neat on a serving platter, allowing the gold dust to catch the light for an elegant, sparkling appearance.