6 Simple Ways to Make Toast Without a Toaster

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A guide to toasting bread in a pan, oven, air fryer, & grill
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Everyone loves warm, toasted bread, but what if you don’t have a toaster to make some? The good news: you don’t need one! It’s super easy to make toast in a pan, oven, air fryer, grill, or even over a campfire. Keep reading for quick instructions on how to make toast sans a toaster and what yummy toppings to spread on top!

The Best Ways to Toast Bread Without a Toaster

On the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add some olive oil or butter and toast the bread for 2 minutes on both sides. To make toast in the oven, set the broiler to high. Place the bread on a baking sheet and toast each side for 1 to 2 minutes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Making Toast in a Pan on the Stove Top

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  1. Place a medium-sized non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet on your stove over medium heat. Then, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil or 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter to the pan and let it heat up for 1 minute. [1]
    • The olive oil is fully heated when it moves quickly around the pan and starts to shimmer. The butter is ready when it’s fully melted.
    • Feel free to use a different oil in place of olive oil, like coconut, sesame, avocado, or sunflower seed oil.
    • Alternatively, spread soft, room-temperature butter on both sides of your bread instead of adding it directly to the pan.
    • Note : This step is optional. Feel free to skip it if you don’t want to toast your bread in oil or butter.
  2. Rub the bread into the oil or butter in the pan to ensure it’s nicely coated. Then, gently press it down with a spatula to ensure it toasts evenly. Toast the bread for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom side is crispy and looks golden. [2]
    • Lift up one corner about every 30 seconds to ensure the bread is cooking to your liking.
    • If your stovetop runs hot or you don’t want your toast to be super crispy, turn down the heat to low.
    • To speed up the toasting process, cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat.
    • Any sort of bread is delicious to toast. For instance, use sandwich bread, a baguette, or ciabatta.
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  3. Use a spatula to flip the bread over so the other side gets toasty. Just cook the other side for about 2 minutes, checking on it every 30 seconds, until it is a crispy, golden brown color. [3]
    • Add a bit more oil or butter to the pan if the first side of the bread absorbed it all.
  4. Transfer your toast to a plate and spread on a tasty topping. For instance, coat it with peanut butter, jam, or cream cheese, rub it with a clove of garlic, or cook a fried egg on top. Or, enjoy your delicious toast plain! [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Making Toast Using a Broiler

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  1. Your oven’s broiler is located at the top of the oven. Simply move a rack to the topmost rung to ensure the bread is as close to the broiler as possible. [5]
    • This toasting option is great for quickly making multiple slices of toast at once.
  2. Most ovens have a “Broil” button that has a “High” and “Low” option. Simply press “Broil,” select “High,” and start your oven. Then, give the broiler about 1 to 2 minutes to heat up. [6]
  3. Set the slices of bread in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Then, put it on the top rack so it’s closest to the broiler. Let the bread toast until it’s golden brown, watching it closely so it doesn’t burn. [7]
    • If you don’t have a baking sheet, carefully place the bread directly onto the oven rack. [8]
    • Optional step : Spread oil or butter onto the bread before placing it in the oven.
  4. Put on some oven mitts and take the baking sheet out of the oven. Then, use tongs or a spatula to flip over the bread and put the sheet back in the oven. Keep a close eye on the bread and pull it out when it’s a crispy, golden color. [9]
    • Plate your toast and put on your favorite toppings when it’s done. For instance, add butter, mashed avocado, peanut butter and bananas, or hummus.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Making Toast in the Oven

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  1. Preheat your oven to a lower temperature setting around 350° F (177° C). While your oven heats up, arrange your bread in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. [10]
    • This is a slower alternative to using your oven’s broiler. It’s also another great option for making a large batch of toast .
    • Optional step : Coat the bread with oil or butter.
  2. Slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack in the oven. Then, leave the bread in the oven for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until it is a crispy, golden brown. [11]
    • Watch the bread closely as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn.
  3. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the slices of bread onto the other side. Simply cook the other side of the bread until it looks golden, too. Then, take the toast out of the oven. [12]
    • Spread peanut butter, Nutella, or cinnamon and sugar on your bread for a classic toast treat.
    • If you want to get a little more creative, top your toast with fig jam, goat cheese, and walnuts. Or, add hummus and an olive tapenade. [13]
    Yotam Ottolenghi, Chef and Restaurateur

    Have fun in the kitchen. "In the kitchen, creativity knows no bounds. Let your culinary imagination run wild."

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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Making Toast in an Air Fryer

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  1. Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (204° C). Then, wait for the machine to heat up. [14]
    • Using an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using your oven if you don’t need to make a lot of toast.
  2. Set your slices of bread directly in the air fryer basket, making sure they lay in a single layer without touching each other. Then, insert the basket into the air fryer. [15]
    • Optional step : Spread butter or olive oil onto the bread before putting it in the basket.
  3. Set a timer for 3 to 4 minutes and let the bread toast and crisp up. Then, remove it from the air fryer and apply your favorite toppings. [16]
    • Optional step : Flip the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are toasted.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Making Toast on a Grill

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  1. Making toast on the grill gives your bread a delicious char and smokey flavor. Simply set your grill to medium-high, which is around 400° F (204° C). [17]
    • This is a great option if you’re making a lot of toast or already using your grill to cook.
  2. Once your grill is hot, use a pair of tongs to set the bread directly on the grates. Leave the bread on the grill for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until it starts to brown and develop grill marks. [18]
    • Watch the bread as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn or get too charred for your liking.
    • Optional step : Brush one or both sides of the bread with olive oil to infuse it with more flavor.
  3. Grab your pair of tongs and turn the bread over so the other side faces the grates. Let the other side toast up until it develops golden grill marks. Then, take the toast off the grill. [19]
    • Add classic spreads on top of your toast like butter, garlic, peanut butter, Nutella or marshmallow fluff. Or, top it with grilled fruit or bruschetta.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Making Toast on a Campfire

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  1. Start a fire in a safe place. If you don’t have a fire pit, pick a spot to build your fire that isn’t near grass, roots, or low-hanging branches. Place some big rocks in a circle to contain the fire area. Then, lay tinder, like paper strips and leaves, on the ground. Prop kindling, like twigs or cardboard, over the tinder in a triangular shape. Light the tinder with a lighter and blow on it softly until it catches and spreads. [20]
    • As the fire grows, add small and large logs.
    • If you struggle to keep the fire going and growing, light several different pieces of kindling and tinder at the same time.
  2. Carefully place a grill rack in a stable position over the fire. Then, set a medium or large cast iron skillet on top of the grill rack to heat up. [21]
  3. Campfires can be a little less predictable than stoves, ovens, or grills. So, use tongs to flip the bread every 20 to 30 seconds to see how quickly it’s toasting. When each side is a golden brown, remove the bread from the skillet. [22]
    • Optional step : Add more flavor to your toast by melting butter in the skillet. Or, add olive oil or bacon grease to the pan.
  4. Fill a bucket with water and dump it onto the fire to put it out. Stir the kindling with a stick while you do this to ensure all the embers are wet. It’s safe to leave the area once the ash is cool to the touch and you no longer hear a “hissing” sound. [23]
    • Alternatively, put out the fire by covering it with dirt or sand.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I dip the bread in egg?
    Thando
    Community Answer
    Yes, whisk 2 eggs with a bit of milk and salt to taste, then dip your slices of bread and fry until the egg/bread changes colour. Be careful not to burn it.
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  • Question
    Can I dip bread in milk?
    Shiloh Goodwin
    Community Answer
    You can dip bread in milk. Sometimes the bread might be a little thick and dipping it in milk will soften it up, if you like soft bread.
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  • Question
    What if the bread is frozen, do I need a toaster then?
    Shiloh Goodwin
    Community Answer
    You may need to fix the bread in the toaster a little longer than usual. But don't fix it too long or else it'll burn.
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      Tips

      • While you can use a microwave to heat up bread, it isn’t a great way to make toast. Microwaves cook the inside of the bread instead of crisping up the outside, which usually gives the bread a tough, rubbery texture. [24]
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      Warnings

      • Make sure to turn off the stove top burner, oven, air fryer, or grill when you’re done using it.
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      • Always use caution when making a fire. Keep water, dirt, or sand nearby to put out the fire in case it gets out of hand. Never leave the fire unattended, either.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://probablyworthsharing.com/recipes/olive-oil-toast
      2. ↑ https://hipfoodiemom.com/2020/04/01/how-to-make-pan-toasted-bread/
      3. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/pan-fry-your-bread-article
      4. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/pan-fry-your-bread-article
      5. ↑ https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/how-to-toast-bread-in-oven/
      6. ↑ https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/how-to-toast-bread-in-oven/
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
      8. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/05/20/how-do-you-toast-bread-without-a-toaster/
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
      4. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/articles/50-easy-toast-toppers
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=XiZGUeNKr5rt40MC&t=14
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=449jZCYfAr2d6_Sj&t=1
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=32b7vEOmaQKeYuL0&t=30
      8. ↑ https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2012/8/15/sweet-grilled-peaches-nrsquo-cream-cheese-toast.html
      9. ↑ https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2012/8/15/sweet-grilled-peaches-nrsquo-cream-cheese-toast.html
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/JBB60IPVvkE?si=bpDn6cBGMSEZSxkc&t=57
      11. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/06/04/154162859/summer-science-how-to-build-a-campfire
      12. ↑ https://wearenotfoodies.com/campfire-breakfast-bacon-and-egg-n-toast-simply-delish/
      13. ↑ https://wearenotfoodies.com/campfire-breakfast-bacon-and-egg-n-toast-simply-delish/
      14. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/06/04/154162859/summer-science-how-to-build-a-campfire
      15. ↑ https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/articles/7349-can-you-toast-bread-in-the-microwave-ask-paul

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To toast bread without a toaster, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 60 seconds. Next, spread butter on one side of the bread and place the bread in the hot skillet, butter side-down. Then, cover the skillet with a heavy lid and let the bread toast for 2 minutes. Finally, add butter to the other side of the bread, cover the pan again, and let that side toast for 2 minutes. For tips on making toast using your broiler, read on!

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