How to Toast Sourdough Bread in the Oven {Easy Recipe}

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Easy Way to Toast Sourdough Bread in the Oven and get Perfectly Crispy Slices even after your bread is no longer fresh. 

toasted sourdough bread pinterest

I bake 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 store bought bread (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, but using the oven to toast sourdough bread is a great way. You can get creative and make deliciously crispy slices of bread, with toppings or without! 

toasted sourdough bread with cheese

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure policy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • To toast your sourdough bread in the oven will help you be able to enjoy your leftover sourdough bread for days after baking 
  • Oven sourdough bread toast is a simple & fast lunch idea that we make often as an alternative to sandwiches. It also makes a perfect side dish! 
  • You can make this crispy toast recipe your own by getting creative with the toppings
  • Using a conventional oven to toast your bread is a great alternative to a bread toaster or toaster oven

Ingredients 

  • ​sourdough bread slices 
  • toppings of choice: grated cheese, lunch meat, vegetables 

Tools

sourdough bread being sliced

Instructions

  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 your pieces of 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. 
  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.
sourdough bread with cheese

FAQ

Should I use a baking sheet or a wire rack?

Both work well. A baking sheet allows for even toasting, while a wire rack can help air circulate for a crispier crust.

Can I toast multiple slices at once?

Yes, but ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even toasting.

How do I prevent the sourdough bread toast from burning in the oven?

Keep an eye on the bread and adjust the bake time as needed. Lowering the temperature slightly can also help prevent burning.

Should I toast the bread on a high or low temperature?

A moderate temperature, around 375°F (190°C), works best to toast sourdough bread evenly without burning.

Can I add toppings before toasting?

Yes, toppings like olive oil, garlic, or herbs can be added before toasting for extra flavor.

How do I adjust the cooking time for thicker slices?

Thicker slices may require slightly longer toasting times. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.

What is the ideal texture for perfectly toasted sourdough bread?

Aim for a crispy crust and a warm, slightly chewy interior. Adjust toasting time to achieve your desired texture.

sourdough bread with cheese

Tips

  1. Quality matters: Start with your favorite bread that is high-quality for the best flavor and texture after toasting.
  2. Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between each slice on the baking sheet or wire rack to ensure they toast evenly.
  3. Consider thickness: Adjust the thickness of the slices based on your preference. Thicker slices may require longer toasting times, thinner slices less time. 
  4. Experiment with temperature: While a moderate oven temperature works well for most, you can experiment with slightly higher or lower temperatures to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
  5. Spritz with water: For extra crustiness, lightly spritz the bread slices with water before toasting. This helps create steam, resulting in a crispier crust.
  6. Keep it simple: While toppings can add flavor, sometimes simplicity is best. Enjoy the natural flavor of sourdough bread with just a touch of garlic butter or olive oil.
  7. Check for doneness: To ensure the bread is properly toasted, tap the bottom of a slice—it should sound hollow. If it still feels soft, continue toasting.
  8. Use a timer: Set a timer to help you keep track of the toasting time, especially if you’re multitasking in the kitchen.
  9. Reheat if needed: If the bread has cooled before serving, you can quickly reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
toasted sourdough bread from the oven

Storage

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the toasted sourdough bread to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the bread fresh.
  3. Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can make the bread stale more quickly.
  4. Freezing: If you need to store the bread for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
  5. Label and Date: If you’re freezing the bread, label the bag with the date so you can easily keep track of how long it’s been stored.
  6. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the toasted sourdough bread again, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster until warmed through and crispy. No need to defrost frozen slices before reheating—just place them directly in the oven or toaster.
toasted sourdough bread

How to Toast Sourdough Bread in the Oven

Yield: 2 slices
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Easy Way to Toast Sourdough Bread in the Oven and get Perfectly Crispy Slices even after your bread is no longer fresh. 

Ingredients

  • 2 sourdough bread slices
  • toppings of choice: grated cheese, lunch meat, vegetables

Instructions

  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 your pieces of 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. 
  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.

Notes

  1. Quality matters: Start with your favorite bread that is high-quality for the best flavor and texture after toasting.
  2. Don't overcrowd: Leave space between each slice on the baking sheet or wire rack to ensure they toast evenly.
  3. Consider thickness: Adjust the thickness of the slices based on your preference. Thicker slices may require longer toasting times, thinner slices less time. 
  4. Experiment with temperature: While a moderate oven temperature works well for most, you can experiment with slightly higher or lower temperatures to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
  5. Spritz with water: For extra crustiness, lightly spritz the bread slices with water before toasting. This helps create steam, resulting in a crispier crust.
  6. Keep it simple: While toppings can add flavor, sometimes simplicity is best. Enjoy the natural flavor of sourdough bread with just a touch of garlic butter or olive oil.
  7. Check for doneness: To ensure the bread is properly toasted, tap the bottom of a slice—it should sound hollow. If it still feels soft, continue toasting.
  8. Use a timer: Set a timer to help you keep track of the toasting time, especially if you're multitasking in the kitchen.
  9. Reheat if needed: If the bread has cooled before serving, you can quickly reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Storage

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the toasted sourdough bread to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the bread fresh.
  3. Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can make the bread stale more quickly.
  4. Freezing: If you need to store the bread for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
  5. Label and Date: If you're freezing the bread, label the bag with the date so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.
  6. Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy the toasted sourdough bread again, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster until warmed through and crispy. No need to defrost frozen slices before reheating—just place them directly in the oven or toaster.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 641mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g

Nutrition information is calculated automatically and may not always be accurate, especially calories.

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This article may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure policy.

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