Sliced french breakfast radishes with crusty bread with plenty of good butter makes a wildly delicious snack. It's also the perfect way to jazz up a simple bread basket presentation for a brunch or dinner party.
Radishes don't get the love they deserve. These unassuming little brassicas are not only pretty to look at but they have a crisp, mild peppery flavor that is just delightful, especially when enjoyed on good bread slathered with plenty of sweet butter and sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
This classic French snack is unbelievably good - like a major upgrade to your already perfect good bread and butter. Once you try it, you'll be regularly on the lookout for French breakfast radishes so you can make this nonstop.
What are French Breakfast Radishes?
Did you know that there are more than 100 different radish varieties? Originating in France, these heirloom radishes were first developed in 1879 and quickly became popular in Parisian markets. The French, however do not typically enjoy them for breakfast, rather, the name comes from upper-class Victorians who were apparently ate these little French radishes for breakfast at a specific radish festival. They added "French" to the name as an homage to the veggie's country of origin.
French breakfast radishes are known for their unique oblong shape and are two-toned in color. They look much different than the Cherry Belle, bulbous, bright red radishes that you typically find in the grocery store.
French breakfast radishes are beautifully reddish pink at the top with a gradient that transitions into a milky white tip. Definitely look for them next time you're at your local farmer's market during the early Spring season.
Ingredients
All you need is 4 ingredients to make this sophisticated, delicious snack.
- French Breakfast radishes
- Good quality butter
- Fleur de sel or flaky sea salt - is a must! Do not use table salt or kosher salt. It has a much different flavor and texture. This screams for light and crisp finishing salt.
- Good crusty bread or baguette - definitely worth a trip to the bakery or swing by the bread stand at the farmer's market.
How to eat French breakfast radishes
This is definitely a no recipe, recipe, but there are two methods to serve this root vegetable this way.
My favorite is to cut off the radish greens and thinly slice them longways. Generously butter some bread, sprinkle with flaky salt and top with a layer of radish slices.
Alternatively, You can serve them whole and encourage your guests to dip them in a little butter, sprinkle with salt and bite into them, following with bread.
There's really no wrong way to enjoy this delicious combination of simple ingredients.
For guests, I love to serve this like a fancier version of a bread basket with brunch or a light, Springy lunch. Most of the time, I buy them at the farmers market with some fresh bread to just enjoy as a snack when I get home from shopping!
More Farmer's Market inspired recipes to try!
- Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Crispy Chickpeas and Lemon Herb Tahini
- Farmer's Market Green Pasta
- Lemony Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Feta and Fresh Herbs
- Shaved Vegetable Salad
- Mashed Potato Squash
French Breakfast Radishes with Butter and Toast
Ingredients
- 1 bunch French breakfast radishes
- 1 stick good quality butter room temperature
- 2 teaspoons fleur de sel or flaky sea salt
- Crusty bread or baguette
Instructions
- Remove the radish greens and thinly slice the radishes lengthwise.
- Serve with room temperature butter, flaky salt and lightly toasted crusty bread.
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