A toaster is considered a single-use purpose appliance. With this in mind, many people opt not to buy toasters since it is deemed unnecessary. But does this mean you cannot enjoy a warm slice of toasted bread?
No, even without a toaster, you can still have some tomato soup with a warm slice of toasted bread. You can still wake up every Sunday morning with the sweet smell of freshly toasted bread lingering in the air.
So, how can you toast bread without a toaster? With a little ingenuity here and there, people have come up with solutions that work. Some of these strategies are even considered everyday hacks. On that note, let us look at how to toast bread without a toaster.
Using a Microwave
When you think of having toast bread, using a microwave is perhaps the last thing that comes to mind. However, microwaves are versatile appliances. And you may be pleasantly surprised to hear that they, too, can toast your bread.
Place one or two slices of bread on a paper towel and put it in the microwave. Set the time for 30 to 45 seconds. Once the time is up, take out the bread to check if it is done. If not, place it back into the microwave for another 30 to 45 seconds.
Flip the bread to the other side and repeat the process. Get your butter knife and serve it with peanut butter, avocado, or any toppings of your choice.
Toasting in a Pancake Griddle
Do you have a pancake griddle, but you are not in the mood for pancakes? How about toast? Using a pancake griddle is ideal if you want to make many toast slices without doing multiple rounds.
Place the pancake griddle on the stove and preheat it. Place your bread slices on the griddle and cook each side for 2 to 2½ minutes until golden brown.
Using a Panini Press
If you have a panini maker but just fancy normal toast, don’t stress because you can still use this appliance to cook your bread.
Plugin your panini maker and adjust the heat setting to medium-high heat. Place your bread slices on the hotplates. Allow each side to cook for a few minutes.
Depending on how big your panini maker is, you may only be able to make a limited number of toast slices at a time. But this is perfect if you’re just cooking toast for one or two people.
Whether you have an electric hob, gas, or induction cooker, you can use this method. All you need is a frying pan of sorts and your bread.
On a Stovetop
Place your cast-iron skillet or frying pan on the stovetop and set the stove to medium heat. If you set the heat too high, your bread may burn. Once the frying pan or skillet is hot, place your bread slices on it and wait.
As the bread toasts, melt butter on the side. After two minutes, flip the bread slices to the other side and repeat the process for a perfect toast. If you like your toast slightly crisper and browner, you can leave it for a few more minutes. However, you have to be careful not to burn the toast, so you should watch it.
With a Waffle Maker
Waffles and syrup are a dream meal for both kids and adults. However, it is not every day you wake up and feel like whipping up some waffle batter. Sometimes you want something quick and simple like toasted bread.
Preheat the waffle maker to medium heat. Place your slices of bread on the waffle plate and close the lid. Allow the bread to toast for about two minutes, then remove it.
If you need the toast to cook for longer, you can close the lid again and add a few minutes to the timer. This is a fun way to enjoy a waffled-shaped toast bread slice. If you are going for a healthy meal or snack, you can throw in a complete of avocado slices or any toppings of your choice.
Be warned, the cleaning process may be more involved if you choose this method, and not everyone will enjoy waffle-shaped toast.
Using an Open Fire
You can use an open fire to toast your bread like you toast your marshmallows. You have to get the fire going and make sure that there is no smoke from the fire. You need a clean flame to make toasted bread – nobody wants smoky and soot-filled bread.
Using long-handled prongs, hold the bread over the fire to toast it. Be careful not you burn your hands in the process. Make sure to do this over a small fire and not a bonfire. You can also opt for a fire pit if you need to control the fire. The bread will likely catch alight and burn to a crisp if you hold it too close. Hence, it may take you a couple of tries to find a distance that works.
You can also use a pan to toast your bread when camping. On the open fire, place your pan above the campfire. When it is at medium heat, put your slices of bread inside. You can add butter to the pan to get an evenly brown toast. Once the bread is cooked for 2 to 3 minutes, flip it to cook the other side.
This method can also be used for other recipes like french toast.
Slow Toasting With an Oven
Using an oven to toast bread is not as fast as using the underside of a broiler or a stovetop. It is slower but is said to have a better result. Making toast in an oven is easier than using other hacks.
If you plan to use your oven to toast some bread, you should preheat it to 350°F or 180°C. As the oven warms up, place the slices of bread on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet or a grill rack. Place the tray or grill rack with the bread in the middle of another bigger baking sheet or rack.
Before you put your tray of bread in the oven, check if both the top and bottom heat sources on your oven are on. Allow the bread to toast for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip the bread to toast the other side.
Once the slices of bread are ready, place them on the counter space to cool down. You can use this method for other toast recipes, including garlic bread.
Grilling
Most but not all ovens come with a broiler or grill section. If yours does, then it is time to put it to use. If you have a big batch of bread that you need to toast, then a broiler or a grill might be the way to go.
Broilers are effective and efficient if you want to toast bread, especially in larger quantities.
You need to lay your bread on a baking sheet or oven rack to get started. Preheat the broiler for five minutes. When it is warm and toasty, gently slide in your tray or rack with the bread directly under the broiler.
You need to make sure that the bread is as close to the underbelly of the broiler as possible. Let the bread sit under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, but keep an eye on it as it can quickly burn.
Using oven mitts, gently pull the wire rack or tray from the broiler and place it on the counter to cool down. Serve your freshly toasted broiler bread with any toppings of your choice.
Toasties
Of course, if you want to make a toastie, we recommend using the stovetop or panini maker method as you want to be able to apply pressure to the sandwich to give it that toasty feel.
Butter the outer sides of your bread, place your cheese inside and then put your sandwich into your frying pan or panini maker.
If you opt for the stovetop method, be prepared to flip your toastie halfway through to brown both sides. You may need to add more butter to help it crisp evenly.
Enjoy Your Toasted Bread
Toast can be used as a staple for any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or supper. If you do not have access to a toaster, let this not stop you from enjoying a warm slice of toasted bread. Knowing how to toast bread without a toaster will come in handy in the kitchen and when you’re outdoors. However, keep in mind that you have to watch over your toast when using the methods above.
This is because it can easily burn. And if left unattended, you might even have the fire department knocking at your door. If you have extra toast bread, you can always use it as sandwich bread.
