Sardines on Toast is a quick and healthy snack from your pantry that is cheap and easy to make. Serve Scottish style on thick slices of toasted batch baked bread, only 10 minutes from start to finish.
What are Sardines?
Sardines are a small fish that is part of the herring family. Sardines and Pilchards are basically the same fish, they are called sardines when they are smaller and larger fish are named pilchards.
Where do Sardines come from?
Everyone knows that sardines come from the Mediterranean, don’t they? Sardines are popular in Mediterranean countries and the name sardine may have derived from the Island of Sardinia. However, these fabulous little fish are caught around British shores, particularly the Cornish coast but, also off the coast of Scotland.
Why are Sardines good for you?
Sardines are high in protein, a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and few foods are as high in vitamin B12. They’re also rich in vitamin D, which alongside calcium is vital for bone strength.
Scottish Plain Loaf
I could have called this recipe Sardines on Scottish Toast because it is the Scottish Plain Loaf that has equal billing as the star of this recipe. If you can’t get a Scottish Plain Loaf, then use a thick sliced toasting bread.
Plain or Pan?
A Plain Loaf is a traditional style of bread made in Scotland. The bread has a well-fired crust on top and on the base, but no crust at the sides. This is because the bread is ‘batch’ baked, that is the loaves are baked side by side then pulled apart.
My mother often sent me to the shop for a ‘half loaf’ which was, in fact, a whole loaf and very confusing! However, this also refers to how the bread is baked with two batch loaves considered to be a loaf and one being a half loaf. It is rare to hear people talk about a half loaf today.
A Pan Loaf is baked in a pan and has a crust all the way round. Originally, the pan loaf was more expensive and eaten by those who were better off. Therefore someone with a posh or affected accent was said to speak ‘pan loaf’.
How to make Sardines on Toast – Scottish Style
Choose the best sardines
Choose the best sardines you can afford. Sardines are not expensive but spending a little more will definitely give you a better quality of fish.
Mash the sardines
Drain the oil from the tin, take out three whole sardines and put them to one side. Put all the rest in a bowl and mash them. Season to taste.
Toast the bread
Lightly toast a slice of the Scottish Plain loaf and butter generously.
Top the toast with sardines
Pile the mashed sardines onto the toast. Make sure you get the fish right to the edges. Top the toast with two or three whole sardines. Put under the grill (broiler) on medium-high heat until the fish is bubbling and beginning to crisp at the edges. It will take only 3-5 minutes.
To serve
Cut the toast in half and serve. You can eat it with a fork and knife, but if you leave it for a couple of minutes, you can pick it up with your fingers which is far more satisfying!
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Sardines on Toast
Ingredients
- 1 slice (1 slice) bread Scottish Plain Loaf or similar
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) butter
- 120 grams (4.3 oz) sardines in oil
Instructions
- Drain the oil from the tin, take out two or three whole sardines and put them on one side. Put all the rest in a bowl and mash them. Season to taste.
- Lightly toast a slice of bread and butter generously.
- Pile the mashed sardines onto the toast. Make sure you get the fish right to the edges. Top with the two or three whole sardines and put under the grill (broiler) on medium-high heat until the fish is bubbling and beginning to crisp at the edges, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cut the toast in half and serve. You can eat it with a fork and knife, but if you leave it for a couple of minutes, you can pick it up with your fingers which is far more satisfying!
Chloe Edges says
Well you learn something everyday! I’ve never even heard of plain load, nor a half loaf! Super interesting!
Janice Pattie says
I’m glad you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane 😊
Vivian says
I’ve been meaning to find a great way of eating sardines and never would have thought of grilling after putting the mashed fish on the buttered toast. Thanks for the suggestion.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks, Vivien. Yes, it’s much nicer when you pop them under the grill. Enjoy!
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
This takes me back to when I was a little girl! We used to have sardines on toast for Sunday tea. It was a huge favourite of mine growing up, but I haven’t had it for years… maybe I should re-instigate the tradition… Eb x
Janice Pattie says
Thanks, Eb. We ate Sardines on Toast often as children, as you say well worth bringing it back!
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
OMG, I know this is about the sardines, but that plain loaf!! I miss it soooooo much! I actually started salivating seeing your photo with the butter on it! 🙂 Back to the sardines! I’ve never tried this and will keep it in mind when we break open the next tin! Thanks, Janice!
Janice Pattie says
Ha! Yes, it’s a great loaf and brings back lots of memories for me too. Thanks 😊
jill Colonna says
Janice,
I absolutely LOVE that you posted these, as I have been craving sardines lately (I’m severely lacking calcium again and sardines are an excellent source, as you say!). Your post also brings back floods of delicious Scottish memories too.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks, Jill. Yes, get some sardines into you, they are so good for you and taste great too. Glad to bring a little Scottish nostalgia to your table.
Vikkie Lee says
Yum! I haven’t had sardine on toast since I was a kid. Then I went off fish in my teens, but love it again. Will have to try! 🙂
Janice Pattie says
I hadn’t eaten Sardines on Toast for ages either, Vikkie. It’s one of those things that easy to forget but such a tasty bite to have for lunch.
Manjiri C says
Love sardines never tried them on toast like that though. Great to read about a plain loaf and half loaf too
Janice Pattie says
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you try the Sardines on toast.
Sisley says
I never think of adding these to toast and I think that has to change ASAP
Janice Pattie says
You have some lovely toast topping recipes. This one isn’t pretty but it’s quick and very tasty.
Kavita Favelle says
Such a great quick meal or snack. I live that you leave some pieces unmashed to garnish!
Janice Pattie says
Thank you, Kavey. Yes, a little fishy on top looks nice.
Richard says
..been doing this for years,..cant beat sardines mashed on toast…especially with worcestershire and chilli sauce..! fastest healthy snack I know , can even feel my knee pain disappear after cold bike ride eating this..
Janice Pattie says
That’s great to hear, Richard. It’s a snack that many people haven’t tried and it’s so good that I want to share the love!