How to Toast Bread in Oven

Learning how to toast bread in the oven is surprisingly simple and allows you to make several slices of toast in only a few minutes. There are a few different methods you can use when toasting bread in the oven.

We will cover each of these methods as well as share step-by-step instructions on how to toast bread in the oven using each method. All this and more in the details to follow!

What Is Toast?

Toast in this case is when a piece of bread is exposed to a heat source until it becomes browned on both sides, and usually creates a crunchy texture to the bread as well.

Why You Should Toast Bread In An Oven

There are many great reasons why you should toast bread in an oven. When you toast bread in the oven it allows you to cook many slices of bread at the same time, and helps you regulate how well done the toast becomes.

Does the bread type matter?

Before we begin, it’s important to address the type of bread you are toasting. That type of bread does play a factor in how you should toast bread in the oven.

Mostly the type of bread that matters is how thick each slice of bread is. How thick the bread is will determine how long it should be toasted in the oven.

Now, let’s look at methods you can use to make toast in the oven.

How to Make Toast in the Oven

We are going to cover three different methods for how to toast bread in the oven. These three methods include using the broiler, using a basic convection oven without a broiler, and making toast in the oven without flipping the bread. Let’s get started!

Oven Toasted Bread

How to Toast Bread in the Oven Using the Broiler

The first method is to use the broiler in your oven to toast the bread. This will allow you to toast bread in the oven very fast. But this method also means that because the bread is toasting fast, you do run a high risk of burning your toast.

Some ovens have a low broiler and a high broiler while others simply have a broil function. If you are using this method, you will want to be sure and keep a very close eye on your toast as it will go quickly.

To begin making toast in the oven using the broiler, you will first want to preheat the oven using the broil function.

When your oven is preheated, take a cookie sheet and lightly grease or butter it. Arrange your toast on the cookie sheet so that there is space between each piece of bread.

Place some bread on a cookie sheet in the oven for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it so that it does not burn.

When the bread turns a light golden color remove the cookie sheet from the oven and turn each piece of bread over.

Place it back into the oven and continue toasting it for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden.

Remove from the oven, add your desired toast toppings, serve right away and enjoy.

How to Toast Bread in the Oven – No Broiler

You can also toast bread in the oven without using the broiler but simply by using the basic functions of your convection oven.

First, we want to point out that you can use various temperatures to toast your bread. If you’d like a crunch to your toast, then you will want to use 400°F (204°C), but if you like your toast to be lightly toasted, you will want to use 350°F (177°C).

When you use a higher temperature it will toast faster, as opposed to using 350°F (177°C) which will take a little bit longer, but you will get a softer toasted piece of bread.

The process is going to be the same, but the amount of time it takes will vary depending on the type of bread you’re toasting, and your oven temperature.

Begin by preheating your oven to your desired temperature.

While the oven is preheating take a cookie sheet and lightly grease it. Arrange your slices of bread on the cookie sheet so that there is space between each slice.

When the oven is preheated, add your cookie sheet with bread slices into the oven. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the cookie sheet and flip the slice of bread over. Place the cookie sheet back into the oven and continue baking until your toast is done to your liking.

Below are our recommended cooking times based on your oven temperature. Please keep in mind that these cooking times may vary depending on exactly how you like your toast done, and what type of bread you are using. Your oven may also play a factor in the amount of time you want to toast the bread as well.

Recommended Time and Temperatures

Toasting bread at 350°F (177°C) for 4 to 6 minutes flip then toast for another 4 to 5 minutes, 8-10 minutes total.

Toasting bread at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes flip then toast for another 4 to 5 minutes, 8-9 minutes total.

Toasting bread at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes flip then toast for another 3 to 4 minutes, 7-8 minutes total.

How to Make Toast in the Oven (Quick, Easy, No Flipping Bread!)

The last method we are going to discuss is how to toast bread in the oven without having to flip it. To do this method you will want to have a pair of tongs or some grippy oven mitts.

In order to toast bread in the oven without flipping it you will want to place your slices of bread either directly on the oven rack or use two oven racks one with a cookie sheet on the bottom, then one a little higher above it which holds your slices of bread vertically. No matter how you wish to arrange the bread slices in your oven, you can follow the following instructions below.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C)

When the oven is preheated, add your slices of bread to the oven rack. You may choose to lay your slices of bread directly on the oven rack, or you can use two oven racks, the bottom one with a cookie sheet on it, and the top one a little higher up, inserting your slices of bread like a toaster holding them vertically as they toast.

Bake them in the oven at 425°F for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until they are toasted to your preference. Keep in mind that you do not need to turn the toast in the oven. But you will want to watch the bread so that your toast does not get too done.

When your bread is toasted to your liking, use an oven mitt or a pair of tongs and remove each slice of bread. Add your desired toppings then enjoy right away.

What is the Best Temperature to Toast Bread?

The best temperature to toast your bread in the oven will depend on how well done you like your toast. If you like your toast lighter and softer, then we recommend toasting your bread at 350°F over 375°F.

On the other hand, if you like darker toast, you can toast your bread at 400°F or even 425°F.

No matter what temperature you decide to toast your bread, you’ll want to keep a close eye on it so that it is done to your liking.

How Long to Toast the Bread in Oven?

How long you toast bread in the oven will depend on how thick your bread is and what temperature the oven is set at.

If you are using the broil function it can be as little as 30 seconds to a minute, or if you are simply using the bake function of your oven, it can be anywhere between 8 to 15 minutes.

How do you use butter on toast before cooking?

We do not recommend that you put butter on your toast before cooking it. For the best results, we recommend using plain slices of bread in the oven, then add your butter after it has been cooked.

How to Toast Bread in the Oven with Butter

While we do not recommend adding butter to the toast before baking it in the oven, you may choose to do so if you really want.

In order to toast your bread with butter on it in the oven, you first want to use soft butter and only add a little bit to each side of the bread.

Then, when you are toasting the bread in your oven, keep a very close eye on it so that it does not burn. Butter is likely to make your bread brown faster than if it does not have butter.

Most likely bread that is toasted in the oven with butter will take less time than bread without butter. Keep a close eye on it, and remove it from the oven when your bread is toasted to your liking.

Toast Variations

Of course there different ways you can toast bread in the oven. We have given you the basic instructions for plain toast in the oven.

Once your slices of bread are toasted we recommend that you add any other toppings you enjoy to your toast. However, there are a few toast variations that you can make in the oven.

Garlic bread. Garlic bread or garlic toast can be made in the oven using slices of bread, bagels, or loaves of bread that are cut in half.

Before toasting it in the oven, you’ll want to add butter, a mixture of cheese, and a drizzle of oil, and Italian seasoning.

Then place it onto a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 400°F until the cheese is melted and your bread is crispy. The amount of time it takes may vary, so keep a close eye on it.

French toast. Believe it or not, French toast can also be toasted in the oven. To do this you want to prepare your French toast by whisking in your eggs and milk together.

Then take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture so that both sides of the bread are covered.

Place it onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, then add it into the oven at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip each slice of bread, and continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes or until your French toast is done.

Cinnamon sugar toast. For those of you who enjoy cinnamon sugar toast, this can also be made in your oven. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl or cup.

Once combined, brush each piece of bread with soft or melted butter on both sides. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the toast.

Add your bread to a cookie sheet and place it in the oven. Bake the toast in the oven flipping partway through until the toast is done to your liking.

Grilled cheese. Grilled cheese can also be baked in your oven. This works well as a way for preparing a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches at one time.

To do this, butter the outside of each piece of bread with soft butter. Then add your slices of cheese in the center and stack your sandwich so the buttered sides are facing out.

Place onto a cooking sheet evenly spaced. Take your sandwich in the oven at 375°F or 400°F, flipping your sandwich partway through. Cook until both sides are a light brown color.

Other ways to make toast without a toaster

In addition to toasting bread in the oven, there are a few other ways you can make toast without a toaster.

How to Toast Bread on the Stovetop

To make toast on the stovetop you will need a large skillet. If you have cast iron we strongly recommend it, but any large pan will work.

At the bottom of your pan, drizzle with a high smoke point oil such as canola.

Place the skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to warm. Add your slices of bread and toast each side until it is done to your liking.

Can You Toast Bread in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can easily toast bread in the air fryer without using any type of oil or butter.

How To Toast Bread In The Air Fryer

To toast bread in your air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Once preheated, add your slices of bread into the air fryer basket, make sure there is space in between for the air to flow.

Air fry for approximately two minutes, then flip your slices of bread. Continue air frying for another 2 to 3 minutes until the toast is done to your liking. Once done, serve right away and enjoy.

How To Toast Bread In The Toaster Oven

To toast bread in the toaster oven, preheat your toaster oven to 425°F (218°C). Add the slices of bread to your toaster oven. Toast for approximately 2 ½ minutes then check on the toast often.

It may take between four and five minutes for the bread to completely toast depending upon how done you like it.

How to Rescue Burnt Toast

What if your toast got burnt? Before you throw it away, let’s try to save it.

First, as you are toasting bread in the oven it’s important to keep a very close eye on it. Bread tends to toast quickly and can get overdone very fast.

So, what happens if your bread is overdone or even burnt? Before throwing it right away, take your slice of toast, and over a plate scratch the burnt side of your bread with a butter knife. Scratching it with a knife will flake off the crumbs that are burnt and are likely to leave you with a clean piece of toast.

Tips for the best toast:

Watch it like a hawk. No matter how you are toasting your bread, it’s important that you keep a close eye on your bread slices as they toast so that they do not become overdone. We highly encourage you to watch your toast like a hawk as it cooks so that it does not burn.

Flip the bread. Unless you are placing the slices of bread directly on the oven rack, you will want to flip the slices of bread when they are halfway through the cooking time. This will enable your slices of bread to toast evenly on each side.

Toppings for Oven Toast

There are a ton of different things you can add on top of your toast before eating it. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

Butter

Jam

Jelly

Preserves

Peanut butter

Nutella

Cream cheese

Cinnamon and sugar

Storing Toast

Toast should be stored in a cool dry location so that it does not become soggy. It is best when enjoyed fresh but if you need to keep it for later, you should place it in an airtight container once it has cooled and store it at room temperature for up to three days.

Recipe FAQs

What oven temperature is good for toasting bread?

You can use the broil function on your oven to toast bread extremely fast, or you can bake slices of bread in the oven between 350°F and 425°F depending upon how browned and crispy you like your toast to be.

How long should you toast the bread in oven?

If you are broiling your toast in the oven, it will be done in as little as 30 seconds to one minute. However, if you are baking your bread in the oven, then your toast is likely to be done between eight and 15 minutes depending upon how crispy you like it.

When to use broiler setting in oven to toast bread?

Using the broiler function on your oven will allow you to make toast very quickly. If you have a low broiler function on your oven we recommend using that as it will still toast your bread fast but not in the blink of an eye.

How to Toast Bread in an Oven

Toasting bread in the oven is surprisingly simple and allows you to make several slices of toast at the same time. When you learn how to toast bread in the oven it will allow you to make several servings at the same time in only a few minutes.

Now, it’s time to give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think! We hope you enjoy it!

For more posts like this one, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.