Rustic Sardines on Toast with Olive Oil & Herbs

A timeless Portuguese-inspired bite—simple, bold, unforgettable.

Why This Recipe Works

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones with the fewest ingredients. This rustic sardine toast is a celebration of quality over complexity. With flaky wild sardines packed in extra virgin olive oil, crusty bread, and a touch of lemon and fresh herbs, every bite evokes the Atlantic coast.

Ingredients

• 1 tin of Skin & Bone Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 slices of crusty sourdough or rustic country bread

• 1 clove of garlic (peeled)

• A handful of fresh parsley or dill

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (use the oil from the tin!)

Instructions

1. Toast the Bread

Lightly toast your bread slices until golden and crisp on the edges. This gives you that perfect balance between crunch and chew.

2. Rub with Garlic

While still warm, gently rub one side of each slice with the garlic clove. The warmth of the bread will mellow the garlic, infusing it without overpowering.

3. Layer the Sardines

Open your tin and let the aroma hit you—briny, rich, and fresh. Using a fork, place the sardines on the garlicky side of the toast. Don’t worry if they flake apart—this is a dish about feel, not formality.

4. Drizzle & Garnish

Spoon some of that golden olive oil from the tin over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs, lemon zest (if using), and a few cracks of black pepper.

5. Serve Immediately

Enjoy warm, ideally with a glass of chilled white wine or a light red.

Pro Tips

• Want to add heat? A touch of Calabrian chili oil or red pepper flakes brings a lovely kick.

• This makes an elegant appetizer or light lunch—but we’ve seen it disappear as a midnight snack too.

Why It Matters

Using sardines of this quality means you don’t need to mask or dress them up. This recipe lets them speak for themselves. Each element—from the crusty toast to the drizzle of oil—amplifies the sardine’s natural character. It’s a bite of the coast, wherever you are.