4 Ways To Toast Bread Without A Toaster - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Breakfast
• Toast

6 Simple Ways to Make Toast Without a Toaster Download Article A guide to toasting bread in a pan, oven, air fryer, & grill Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: October 31, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Pan on the Stove
|
• Broiler
|
• Oven
|
• Air Fryer
|
• Grill
|
• Campfire
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 218,279 times.

Everyone loves warm, toasted bread, but what if you don’t have a toaster to make some? The good news: you don’t need one! It’s super easy to make toast in a pan, oven, air fryer, grill, or even over a campfire. Keep reading for quick instructions on how to make toast sans a toaster and what yummy toppings to spread on top!

The Best Ways to Toast Bread Without a Toaster

Private chef Jeff Woodward recommends toasting buttered bread in a saute pan on high heat for about 3 minutes on each side. Or, put the bread directly on your oven rack and bake it for about 5 minutes on 400°F (204°C). You can also put it on a baking sheet, set the broiler to high, and toast each side for 1-2 minutes.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 6:

Making Toast in a Pan on the Stove Top

Download Article

1. 1 Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Place a medium-sized non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet on your stove over medium heat. Then, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil or 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter to the pan and let it heat up for 1 minute.[1]
   • The olive oil is fully heated when it moves quickly around the pan and starts to shimmer. The butter is ready when it’s fully melted.
   • Feel free to use a different oil in place of olive oil, like coconut, sesame, avocado, or sunflower seed oil.
   • Alternatively, spread soft, room-temperature butter on both sides of your bread instead of adding it directly to the pan.
   • Note: This step is optional. Feel free to skip it if you don’t want to toast your bread in oil or butter.
2. 2 Place the bread in the pan and cook it for about 2 minutes. Rub the bread into the oil or butter in the pan to ensure it’s nicely coated. Then, gently press it down with a spatula to ensure it toasts evenly. Toast the bread for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom side is crispy and looks golden.[2]
   • Lift up one corner about every 30 seconds to ensure the bread is cooking to your liking.
   • If your stovetop runs hot or you don’t want your toast to be super crispy, turn down the heat to low.
   • To speed up the toasting process, cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat.
   • Any sort of bread is delicious to toast. For instance, use sandwich bread, a baguette, or ciabatta.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Flip the bread over and cook it for another 2 minutes. Use a spatula to flip the bread over so the other side gets toasty. Just cook the other side for about 2 minutes, checking on it every 30 seconds, until it is a crispy, golden brown color.[3]
   • Add a bit more oil or butter to the pan if the first side of the bread absorbed it all.
4. 4 Top the toast with your favorite toppings. Transfer your toast to a plate and spread on a tasty topping. For instance, coat it with peanut butter, jam, or cream cheese, rub it with a clove of garlic, or cook a fried egg on top. Or, enjoy your delicious toast plain![4]
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 6:

Making Toast Using a Broiler

Download Article

1. 1 Move an oven rack to the topmost rung. Your oven’s broiler is located at the top of the oven. Simply move a rack to the topmost rung to ensure the bread is as close to the broiler as possible.[5]
   • This toasting option is great for quickly making multiple slices of toast at once.
2. 2 Set the broiler to high and let your oven preheat. Most ovens have a “Broil” button that has a “High” and “Low” option. Simply press “Broil,” select “High,” and start your oven. Then, give the broiler about 1 to 2 minutes to heat up.[6]
3. 3 Put the bread on a baking sheet and watch it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Set the slices of bread in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Then, put it on the top rack so it’s closest to the broiler. Let the bread toast until it’s golden brown, watching it closely so it doesn’t burn.[7]
   • If you don’t have a baking sheet, carefully place the bread directly onto the oven rack.[8]
   • Optional step: Spread oil or butter onto the bread before placing it in the oven.
4. 4 Flip the bread and toast the other side for 1 to 2 minutes. Put on some oven mitts and take the baking sheet out of the oven. Then, use tongs or a spatula to flip over the bread and put the sheet back in the oven. Keep a close eye on the bread and pull it out when it’s a crispy, golden color.[9]
   • Plate your toast and put on your favorite toppings when it’s done. For instance, add butter, mashed avocado, peanut butter and bananas, or hummus.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 6:

Making Toast in the Oven

Download Article

1. 1 Set your oven to 350° F (177° C) and put the bread on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to a lower temperature setting around 350° F (177° C). While your oven heats up, arrange your bread in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.[10]
   • This is a slower alternative to using your oven’s broiler. It’s also another great option for making a large batch of toast.
   • Optional step: Coat the bread with oil or butter.
2. 2 Set the bread on the middle rack and cook it for 5 minutes. Slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack in the oven. Then, leave the bread in the oven for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until it is a crispy, golden brown.[11]
   • Watch the bread closely as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn.
3. 3 Flip the bread over and cook it for 5 more minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the slices of bread onto the other side. Simply cook the other side of the bread until it looks golden, too. Then, take the toast out of the oven.[12]
   • Spread peanut butter, Nutella, or cinnamon and sugar on your bread for a classic toast treat.
   • If you want to get a little more creative, top your toast with fig jam, goat cheese, and walnuts. Or, add hummus and an olive tapenade.[13]
   Yotam Ottolenghi, Chef and Restaurateur

   Have fun in the kitchen. "In the kitchen, creativity knows no bounds. Let your culinary imagination run wild."

Advertisement

Method 4 Method 4 of 6:

Making Toast in an Air Fryer

Download Article

1. 1 Heat your air fryer to 400° F (204° C). Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (204° C). Then, wait for the machine to heat up.[14]
   • Using an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using your oven if you don’t need to make a lot of toast.
2. 2 Place your bread in the basket. Set your slices of bread directly in the air fryer basket, making sure they lay in a single layer without touching each other. Then, insert the basket into the air fryer.[15]
   • Optional step: Spread butter or olive oil onto the bread before putting it in the basket.
3. 3 Cook the bread for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Set a timer for 3 to 4 minutes and let the bread toast and crisp up. Then, remove it from the air fryer and apply your favorite toppings.[16]
   • Optional step: Flip the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are toasted.
Advertisement

Method 5 Method 5 of 6:

Making Toast on a Grill

Download Article

1. 1 Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Making toast on the grill gives your bread a delicious char and smokey flavor. Simply set your grill to medium-high, which is around 400° F (204° C).[17]
   • This is a great option if you’re making a lot of toast or already using your grill to cook.
2. 2 Place the bread on the grill and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. Once your grill is hot, use a pair of tongs to set the bread directly on the grates. Leave the bread on the grill for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until it starts to brown and develop grill marks.[18]
   • Watch the bread as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn or get too charred for your liking.
   • Optional step: Brush one or both sides of the bread with olive oil to infuse it with more flavor.
3. 3 Flip the bread over and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes. Grab your pair of tongs and turn the bread over so the other side faces the grates. Let the other side toast up until it develops golden grill marks. Then, take the toast off the grill.[19]
   • Add classic spreads on top of your toast like butter, garlic, peanut butter, Nutella or marshmallow fluff. Or, top it with grilled fruit or bruschetta.
Advertisement

Method 6 Method 6 of 6:

Making Toast on a Campfire

Download Article

1. 1 Start a fire in a safe place. If you don’t have a fire pit, pick a spot to build your fire that isn’t near grass, roots, or low-hanging branches. Place some big rocks in a circle to contain the fire area. Then, lay tinder, like paper strips and leaves, on the ground. Prop kindling, like twigs or cardboard, over the tinder in a triangular shape. Light the tinder with a lighter and blow on it softly until it catches and spreads.[20]
   • As the fire grows, add small and large logs.
   • If you struggle to keep the fire going and growing, light several different pieces of kindling and tinder at the same time.
2. 2 Put a grill rack and cast iron skillet over the fire. Carefully place a grill rack in a stable position over the fire. Then, set a medium or large cast iron skillet on top of the grill rack to heat up.[21]
3. 3 Place the bread in the skillet and flip it until each side is browned. Campfires can be a little less predictable than stoves, ovens, or grills. So, use tongs to flip the bread every 20 to 30 seconds to see how quickly it’s toasting. When each side is a golden brown, remove the bread from the skillet.[22]
   • Optional step: Add more flavor to your toast by melting butter in the skillet. Or, add olive oil or bacon grease to the pan.
4. 4 Put out the campfire when you’re done using it. Fill a bucket with water and dump it onto the fire to put it out. Stir the kindling with a stick while you do this to ensure all the embers are wet. It’s safe to leave the area once the ash is cool to the touch and you no longer hear a “hissing” sound.[23]
   • Alternatively, put out the fire by covering it with dirt or sand.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Can I dip the bread in egg? Thando Community Answer Yes, whisk 2 eggs with a bit of milk and salt to taste, then dip your slices of bread and fry until the egg/bread changes colour. Be careful not to burn it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
• Question Can I dip bread in milk? Shiloh Goodwin Community Answer You can dip bread in milk. Sometimes the bread might be a little thick and dipping it in milk will soften it up, if you like soft bread. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
• Question What if the bread is frozen, do I need a toaster then? Shiloh Goodwin Community Answer You may need to fix the bread in the toaster a little longer than usual. But don't fix it too long or else it'll burn. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

• While you can use a microwave to heat up bread, it isn’t a great way to make toast. Microwaves cook the inside of the bread instead of crisping up the outside, which usually gives the bread a tough, rubbery texture.[24] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Make sure to turn off the stove top burner, oven, air fryer, or grill when you’re done using it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
• Always use caution when making a fire. Keep water, dirt, or sand nearby to put out the fire in case it gets out of hand. Never leave the fire unattended, either. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Make Toast in the Oven with or without a Broiler How to Make Delicious Buttery Toast at Home The Best Grilled Cheese Recipes to Make at Home How toToast Buns A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Toast How to Easily Operate a Toaster How toMake a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave How toMake Pizza Without an Oven at Home How to Make Classic French Toast The Best Ways to Warm Up French Bread How toUse a Broiler How toMake a Panini How toMake Cheese Toast How toMake Bread from Scratch Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://probablyworthsharing.com/recipes/olive-oil-toast
2. ↑ https://hipfoodiemom.com/2020/04/01/how-to-make-pan-toasted-bread/
3. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/pan-fry-your-bread-article
4. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/pan-fry-your-bread-article
5. ↑ https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/how-to-toast-bread-in-oven/
6. ↑ https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/how-to-toast-bread-in-oven/
7. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
8. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/05/20/how-do-you-toast-bread-without-a-toaster/
9. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/

More References (15)

10. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
11. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
12. ↑ https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-toast-in-the-oven/
13. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/articles/50-easy-toast-toppers
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=XiZGUeNKr5rt40MC&t=14
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=449jZCYfAr2d6_Sj&t=1
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/vFzXkUBW10A?si=32b7vEOmaQKeYuL0&t=30
17. ↑ https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2012/8/15/sweet-grilled-peaches-nrsquo-cream-cheese-toast.html
18. ↑ https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2012/8/15/sweet-grilled-peaches-nrsquo-cream-cheese-toast.html
19. ↑ https://youtu.be/JBB60IPVvkE?si=bpDn6cBGMSEZSxkc&t=57
20. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/06/04/154162859/summer-science-how-to-build-a-campfire
21. ↑ https://wearenotfoodies.com/campfire-breakfast-bacon-and-egg-n-toast-simply-delish/
22. ↑ https://wearenotfoodies.com/campfire-breakfast-bacon-and-egg-n-toast-simply-delish/
23. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/06/04/154162859/summer-science-how-to-build-a-campfire
24. ↑ https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/articles/7349-can-you-toast-bread-in-the-microwave-ask-paul

About This Article

Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 218,279 times. 7 votes - 85% Co-authors: 7 Updated: October 31, 2025 Views: 218,279 Categories: Toast Article SummaryX

To toast bread without a toaster, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 60 seconds. Next, spread butter on one side of the bread and place the bread in the hot skillet, butter side-down. Then, cover the skillet with a heavy lid and let the bread toast for 2 minutes. Finally, add butter to the other side of the bread, cover the pan again, and let that side toast for 2 minutes. For tips on making toast using your broiler, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese French German Italian Dutch Indonesian Russian Arabic Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 218,279 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Co-authors: 7 Updated: October 31, 2025 Views: 218,279 85% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Pizza CalculatorWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerate

You Might Also Like

How to Make Toast in the Oven with or without a BroilerHow to Make Delicious Buttery Toast at HomeThe Best Grilled Cheese Recipes to Make at HomeHow toToast Buns

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?

Watch Articles

How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizGuess Which State I'm From QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Am I Hungry For Right Now QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake Quiz

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Breakfast
• Toast

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --837