A Guide to Making Toast in the Oven
If you found this article by Googling or asking Siri “How do I make toast in the oven?” don’t feel alone.
Over 165,000 people search this term every single month. :)
Plus, I’m a mom of six, been cooking for 22 years, and did not know how to fry an egg when I got married.
My husband had to teach me.
Plus, I tried to cook hotdog chili in a metal mixing bowl…
And I also thought the “fat” on chicken was the white part.
I was a cooking disaster…
But then I called every good cook I knew and my husband bought all the cookbooks he could fine (poor guy!) and eventually…I became a better cook and even started a food and parenting blog!
And now…here you are!
Reading my guide to making toast.
Let’s dig in and I’ll tell you ALL the best secrets to making the perfect toast in your oven.
How to Make Toast in the Oven Tip #1: Choose the Right Bread
The beginning of a great piece of toast starts with the right bread.
Look for bread with a sturdy texture, such as a good-quality artisanal loaf or a rustic sourdough.
But if you’re a crazy, busy mom like me…you’ll eventually use any bread that’s in your pantry, fridge, or freezer.
Any bread becomes the “perfect” toast…ha!
Prepare the Bread:
Toasting bread in the oven requires a tiny bit of prep.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Take bread slices and lightly brush or drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter.
My husband’s grandmother always put one tiny square of butter in each corner of the bread…and that always taste like simple, breakfast toast, perfection. And…she used plain, white sandwich bread.
But, it’s waaaaay better if you use a good rye or sourdough.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
Now, You’re Ready to Toast Your Bread!
After prepping your bread, place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven.
This allows for even heat distribution and prevents the toast from burning.
Toast the bread for about 5-6 minutes on one side.
Keep an eye on the slices to ensure they reach a golden-brown color.
Timing may vary depending on your oven, so start checking after 4 minutes to avoid ugly, burnt toast that you have to scrape. ;0)
Once the first side is nicely toasted, carefully flip the slices and return the baking sheet to the oven and toast for an additional 3-4 minutes.
What to SERVE WITH Your TOAST
Serve your oven-baked toast with your favorite spreads, such as butter, jam, avocado, or cream cheese. The options are endless!
More Creative Toast Toppings:
Before toasting, sprinkle your bread slices with sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or herbs, for added flavor and texture.
What To Do With Leftover Toast
If you have leftover toast, cut it into cubes for homemade croutons or process it in a food processor to make bread crumbs.
If you’re making croutons, add Italian seasoning, garlic, pinches of Himalayan sea salt, and black pepper for flavor.
I shake all the seasonings and homemade courtons in a large, ziplock bag. Then, I drizzle olive oil on top and bake on 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm.
Store croutons and bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
