toppings of choice: grated cheeselunch meat, vegetables
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set to broil
Slice your sourdough bread into medium thick slices
Spread a layer of melted butter on top of each slice
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.
Once slightly crispy (but not too much), take the slices out, place on parchment paper and add your favorite toppings.
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!
Transfer to a small pan and return back to the oven.
Bake until cheese melts and turns golden brown - about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on your bread here to prevent burning.
Take out of the oven, allow to cool slightly and enjoy your perfect toast with a good crunch.
Notes
Quality matters: Start with your favorite bread that is high-quality for the best flavor and texture after toasting.
Don't overcrowd: Leave space between each slice on the baking sheet or wire rack to ensure they toast evenly.
Consider thickness: Adjust the thickness of the slices based on your preference. Thicker slices may require longer toasting times, thinner slices less time.
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.
Spritz with water: For extra crustiness, lightly spritz the bread slices with water before toasting. This helps create steam, resulting in a crispier crust.
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.
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.
Use a timer: Set a timer to help you keep track of the toasting time, especially if you're multitasking in the kitchen.
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
Cool Completely: Allow the toasted sourdough bread to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the bread fresh.
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.
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.
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.
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.