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Best way to toast sourdough bread: Explore different ways of toasting bread to get perfect slices, from stovetop to toaster!

I bake homemade sourdough bread couple times a week and it’s one of my favorite things that I do for our family. However, a big downside of homemade bread is how quickly it goes stale! Whatever they add to the bread at the grocery store (hello mega amounts of gluten) has clearly distorted our expectations of how long bread is supposed to stay fresh. We eat my sourdough bread untoasted for the first few days after I make it. But after that, it has to be toasted. There are several different ways I like to toast our bread: on the stove, in a toaster, or in the oven LINK. You can get creative and make deliciously crispy slices of bread, with toppings or without, following this simple recipe! 

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Toasting your sourdough bread will help you be able to enjoy your leftover sourdough bread for days after baking 
• Toasted sourdough is a simple & fast lunch idea that we make often as an alternative to sandwiches. It also makes a perfect side dish to other delicious meals.
• You can make this crispy toast recipe your own by getting creative with the toppings
• While I don’t thing any single way of toasting sourdough is the “best”, I have 3 favorites that all serve different purposes and create slightly different results 
• If you need more delicious recipes for what to top your slice of bread with, check out my post “10 best ideas for what to eat sourdough bread with“

Ingredients 

• Loaf of sourdough bread cut into slices – thicker slices will be softer in the middle, thinner slices will be crispy
• butter for frying 
• Delicious toppings of choice: grated cheese, lunch meat, vegetables, fresh fruit

Tools

• Toaster Oven (or conventional oven_
• Toaster 
• Cast Iron Pan 
• Sourdough knife (or serrated knife)

Instructions

Toaster

*This technique creates the best results when you have less time for cooking and prep 

1. Slice your sourdough bread into medium-thick slices 
2. Insert your slice of sourdough into the toaster and set to desired setting. If you prefer very crispy slices, set to a higher number. If you like your bread mostly just warmed up but not that crispy, set on a lower setting. 
3. After bread is done testing, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

Oven/ Toaster Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set to broil
2. Slice your sourdough bread into medium thick slices 
3. Spread a layer of melted butter on top of each slice
4. Place bread onto the oven rack to crisp up. This will take around 5 minutes. Place a sheet pan underneath to prevent crumbs from getting all over your oven. 
5. Once slightly crispy (but not too much), take the slices out, place on parchment paper and add your favorite toppings. 
6. I love to add grated cheese, few tomato slices or smashed avocado. For a sweet twist, consider peanut butter or cinnamon sugar for a twist on a traditional french toast recipe. Go with your personal preference and get creative!  
7. Transfer to a small pan and return back to the oven for a little bit.
8. Bake until cheese melts and turns golden brown – about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on your bread here to prevent burning.   
9. Take out of the oven, allow to cool slightly and enjoy your perfect toast with a good crunch.

Stovetop 

*Our whole family prefers this method, it makes toasted sourdough bread with a soft inside, crunchy outside and a delicious flavor

1. Heat up a non-stick or cast iron pan on the stove on medium heat 
2. Add butter to the pan and allow to melt 
3. Once melted, carefully place your sourdough slices on the pan
4. Fry for about 5 minutes, then flip
5. Continue frying until you reach your desired color & crisp level

FAQ

1. Can I use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter for pan frying? 
   • Yes! Just note that the taste will be slightly different and you might have to adjust cooking time. 
2. How do I prevent my sourdough bread from becoming too hard when toasted?
   • Sourdough bread tends to have a denser texture, which can become overly hard when toasted for too long. To prevent this, monitor the toasting process closely and remove the bread from the heat once it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
3. Can I toast frozen sourdough bread slices?
   • Yes, you can toast frozen sourdough bread slices directly from the freezer. Simply adjust the toasting time to compensate for the frozen state, and ensure thorough heating to avoid a soggy texture.
4. How can I revive stale bread before toasting?
   • To revive stale sourdough bread, lightly mist it with water and then toast it in a toaster or oven until it’s heated through and crispy. Alternatively, wrap the bread in a damp towel and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
5. What’s the difference between toasting sourdough bread in a toaster versus the oven?
   • Toaster: Offers quick and convenient toasting for one or two slices at a time.
   • Oven: Ideal for toasting larger batches or achieving a more even crispiness. It also allows for customization, such as adding toppings or seasonings.
6. Can I toast sourdough bread without a toaster or oven?
   • Yes, sourdough bread can be toasted on a stovetop using a skillet or grill pan. Simply heat the pan over medium heat, place the bread slices on it, and toast until golden brown on both sides.

Tips

• Slice Thickness: For even toasting, slice your sourdough bread evenly, aiming for slices that are around 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.
• Preheat: Preheat your toaster, oven, or skillet before adding the bread. This ensures that the bread starts toasting immediately, leading to a more even result.
• Room Temperature Bread: Allow your sourdough bread to come to room temperature before toasting. This helps prevent uneven toasting and ensures a consistent texture throughout.
• Butter or Oil: Brushing the bread with a thin layer of butter or oil before toasting can enhance flavor and promote a crispy exterior. 
• Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the toasting process to prevent burning. Sourdough bread can toast quickly, especially in a toaster or skillet, so check frequently.
• Flip When Necessary: If toasting in a skillet or oven, flip the bread halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings like jalapeño cheddar cheese, avocado, tomato, or herbs for added flavor and texture.
• Use a Wire Rack: If toasting in the oven, place the bread slices on a wire rack rather than directly on a baking sheet. This allows for air circulation and helps prevent the bottoms from becoming too crispy.
• Adjust Time and Temperature: Depending on your preferred level of crispiness and the type of toaster or oven you’re using, adjust the time and temperature accordingly.
• Let Cool Slightly: Allow the toasted sourdough bread to cool for a minute or two before serving. This helps prevent steam from softening the crispy exterior.

Storage

• Cool Completely: Allow the toasted sourdough bread to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.
• Wrap or Seal: Once cooled, wrap the toasted sourdough bread in parchment paper or aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Avoid Moisture: Ensure that the storage container is completely dry before adding the toasted bread. Any moisture can cause the bread to become soggy.
• Room Temperature: Store the wrapped or sealed toasted sourdough bread at room temperature for short-term storage, such as a day or two.
• Refrigeration (Optional): If you need to store the toasted bread for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. However, refrigeration can potentially compromise the texture, making the bread slightly chewier when reheated.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the toasted sourdough bread in a toaster, oven, or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as it can make the bread soft and chewy.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy the toasted sourdough bread as soon as possible for the best texture and flavor. If stored properly, it should remain delicious for a few days.

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