Beef Fat Toast, Two Ways
A Simple, Flavour-Packed Starter Using Hugh Maguire Butchers Beef Dripping
Looking for an easy but impressive starter?
Cooking bread in rich beef dripping (traditional beef fat) creates the most incredible flavour and crunch — golden, crisp on the outside and soft in the centre. It’s a simple technique our butchers love, and one that instantly elevates even the humblest ingredients.
Served two ways — one fresh and vibrant, the other rich and indulgent — this is the perfect way to begin a special meal at home.
Ideal for date nights, dinner parties or as part of a three-course menu.
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
Base
- Thick slices of brioche or sourdough
- 2–3 tbsp Hugh Maguire Butchers beef dripping (beef fat/tallow)
- Maldron Sea salt
Topping 1: Tomato Relish (Pan Con Tomate Style)
- 2–3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped or grated
- 1 small garlic clove
- Good olive oil
- Sea salt
- Fresh basil (optional)
Topping 2: Stracciatella, Honey & Prosciutto
- Stracciatella or burrata
- Good quality prosciutto
- Runny Irish honey
- White truffle oil or fresh truffle (optional)
- Cracked black pepper
Method
1. Crisp the bread
Heat the beef dripping in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the bread slices and fry gently for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp, soaking up all that rich flavour. Season lightly with sea salt.
2. Make the tomato topping
Rub the warm toast lightly with garlic.
Top with the fresh tomato, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Finish with basil if using. Bright, fresh and beautifully simple.
3. Make the stracciatella topping
Spread generously with stracciatella, then layer over prosciutto.
Drizzle with honey and a touch of truffle oil. Finish with cracked black pepper.
4. Serve immediately
Slice and serve warm while the toast is crisp and the toppings are fresh.
Butcher’s Tip
Beef dripping is one of the most flavourful fats to cook with — perfect for roasting potatoes, frying bread or adding depth to everyday dishes. Pick up a tub in-store and keep it in the fridge for easy flavour boosts.
