How to Toast Bread in the Oven

Wondering how to toast bread in the oven instead of a toaster?

I have a few easy oven methods you can use when you need to make a batch of toast for a crowd!

Have you ever had a large group breakfast where you need to make enough toast to go around?

Since the toaster only makes two slices at a time, half the stack is cold by the time you’re done with all the toasting. 

Fortunately, I figured out how to make a big batch of toast all at once! There are a few ways to toast bread in the oven instead.

Keep reading for all the tips and tricks you can use to feed your brunch guests.

How to Toast Bread in the Oven

The process to make a bunch of toast at the same time is not super complicated. The first option is to slow-toast the bread in the oven. Here’s how:

1. Move the oven rack to the center of the oven and preheat your oven to 350 °Fahrenheit. 
2. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet that has a rim (so the slices don’t slide off). It’s okay if they touch, but try not to let them overlap or they won’t toast as evenly.
3. Put your baking sheet in the oven, and heat the toast for about 5 minutes.
4. Use tongs to flip the slices over, and heat the other side for 5 minutes.
5. Take out your toast, smother in butter and any other preferred toppings, and enjoy!

How to Toast Bread Using the Broiler

This method is a little bit faster. Here’s what to do:

1. Move your oven rack to about 3 inches below the broiler’s heating element. 
2. Place your sliced bread directly on the oven rack, leaving about half an inch between each slice so they toast evenly.
3. Turn the broiler on the low setting and heat for 60-90 seconds. It should look golden brown, or however browned you like your toast to be. Leave the oven door open if you can. This way, you can watch your bread more closely.
4. Use an oven mitt to pull the rack out and then use tongs to flip your bread over, and toast the other side for 60-90 seconds. 
5. Take out your toast, smother in butter and any other preferred toppings, and enjoy!

How to Toast French Bread in the Oven

For thicker bread, like a loaf of French bread, the process is slightly different:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°Fahrenheit. 
2. Slice your loaf into ½ inch thick slices. 
3. Mix two tablespoons of olive oil and a half teaspoon of parsley or garlic salt in a small bowl. 
4. Brush your mixture on both sides of the bread slices. 
5. Place your slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
6. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the toast over half way through. It should be golden and crispy.
7. Cool on a wire rack, serve, and enjoy!

Note – You can skip the spices if you prefer plain French bread. You can also use butter instead of olive oil.

Do You Butter Your Toast Before or After?

This is really based on your preference. Putting butter on the bread beforehand might be a little messier for your oven, but it also can make your toast crispier.

If you want it very crispy, but also dripping in butter, you can slather it in butter both before AND after. Sounds delicious to me!

What Makes the Perfect Toast? 

The perfect toast is also based on personal preference. However, I think it comes down to three factors – color, texture, and temperature.

The perfect toast should be golden brown, have a good crunch but a little softness and give in the center, and be just on the edge of being too hot. 

However you like your toast, getting the perfect toast just comes down to patience.

You can get your perfect toast no matter what method you use, but you have to watch carefully. It also depends on the type of bread, so be sure to adjust heat or time accordingly. 

Another note – don’t scrape off the black stuff if you accidentally burn your toast. The taste will still be there, and it makes a terrible sound when you’re doing it!

I think the key to perfect toast is to err on the side of underdone. Put it on a low temperature for a short amount of time. Watch it closely and add more time if needed.

What’s the Best Toast Topping?

There are so many tasty things you can put on toast! Here are a few of my favorites that you can easily mix and match:

• Melted cheddar cheese
• Goat cheese and berries
• Mashed avocado with arugula, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Tons of butter
• Butter with cinnamon sugar
• Butter and an over-easy egg
• Peanut butter (or even peanut butter and jelly)
• Nutella
• Honey
• Cottage cheese and your favorite fruit
• Hummus and your favorite veggies
• Chia seeds, nuts, granola, etc. for a little extra crunch