An Easy 10-Minute Brunch or Christmas Starter

Sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious. A thick slice of toasted sourdough, a generous spoonful of whipped goat's cheese and a pile of savoury chestnut mushrooms.

The trick is to whip the goat's cheese with a little lemon juice and zest until it's light, creamy and spreadable. Then pile the warm Canny Mushrooms over the top.

It's rich, earthy, tangy and comforting, but with just enough freshness from the lemon to balance everything.

Perfect for a lazy Christmas brunch, a quick lunch or an easy starter when friends come over. Very little effort, but it feels like something you'd order in a good café.

Serves 2 | 10 minutes

You'll Need

From the pantry

• 1 tin Canny Mushrooms Chestnut Mushrooms

Fresh ingredients

• 100g soft goat's cheese

• 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Finely grated zest of ½ lemon

• 4 medium slices sourdough bread

To Make

1. Put the goat's cheese into a small bowl with the lemon juice and zest. Whip with a fork until smooth, light and creamy. Add a teaspoon of water if you'd like to loosen it.

2. Toast the sourdough until golden and crisp.

3. Spread the whipped goat's cheese generously over the warm toast.

4. Pile the mushrooms on top, finish with black pepper and a little fresh thyme or parsley if you fancy.

Why This Works

Chestnut mushrooms bring that lovely deep, savoury flavour, while whipped goat's cheese adds a creamy tanginess.

The lemon zest lifts everything, stopping the dish from feeling too rich.

And using tinned mushrooms means there's no washing, slicing or lengthy cooking involved.

It's exactly the sort of pantry shortcut that makes a simple meal feel special.

Best Served With

A good coffee for brunch, or a crisp green salad if you're having it for lunch.

For relaxed Christmas hosting, cut the toast into smaller pieces and serve as little mushroom and goat's cheese bites.

Easy Swaps

• Use whipped ricotta instead of goat's cheese for a milder flavour.

• Add a little chilli crisp for warmth and crunch.

• Swap sourdough for toasted baguette slices to make crostini.

• Add a drizzle of honey if you enjoy sweet and savoury flavours.

• Finish with fresh chives instead of thyme or parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tinned mushrooms on toast?

Absolutely. Good-quality tinned mushrooms are a brilliant pantry shortcut for quick lunches, brunches and easy starters.

How do I make whipped goat's cheese?

Simply beat soft goat's cheese with a little lemon juice and zest until creamy and spreadable. Add a splash of water if needed.

Can I make this ahead for Christmas entertaining?

You can whip the goat's cheese ahead and keep it refrigerated. Toast the bread and warm the mushrooms just before serving.

What bread works best for mushroom toast?

Sourdough is particularly good because its firm texture holds the creamy cheese and mushrooms. A rustic country loaf or toasted baguette also works well.

Can I serve this as a starter?

Yes. Serve one smaller slice per person or make little crostini for sharing.

A Little More From The Pantry

At Peak & The Pantry, we love finding clever ingredients that make everyday cooking easier without compromising on flavour.

Canny Mushrooms are exactly the sort of thing worth keeping in the cupboard for a quick supper, a relaxed brunch or unexpected guests.

Good food without the faff.