Tillie Doyle
Pan-toasted bread is a simple and tasty alternative to using a toaster. It is also a great option for those who do not own a toaster. The process is straightforward: heat a pan, add butter or oil, and toast the bread. However, there are nuances to this method that can elevate the humble slice of toast. For instance, the type of bread, the temperature of the pan, and the use of toppings can all be varied to create the perfect slice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Frying pan, skillet, grill pan, non-stick pan, cast iron pan |
| Type of bread | Sourdough, sliced bread, French bread, sandwich bread, bakery bread |
| Type of fat | Butter, oil, olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, mayonnaise |
| Fat application | Spread on bread, melted in the pan, drizzled in zigzags on bread |
| Temperature | Medium, medium-low, not high or medium-high |
| Time | 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, until golden brown |
| Serving suggestions | Jam, Marmite, peanut butter, cream cheese, garlic, fried egg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your pan
When it comes to choosing a pan for making toast, there are a few options to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Pan Type
You can use a variety of pans to make toast, including a traditional skillet, a non-stick pan, or a cast-iron skillet. A non-stick pan is easier to clean, while a cast-iron skillet can give your toast a unique flavour. If you're looking for something more compact and easy to store, an Argentinian stovetop grill is a great option. It's a small metal plate that you place directly over a flame on your stove, leaving grill marks on your bread.
Pan Size
Choose a pan that is large enough to accommodate the slice of bread you plan to toast. The bread should lie flat in the pan to ensure even toasting.
Pan Material
The material of the pan can affect the cooking time and the evenness of the toasting. Cast iron, for example, retains heat well and can provide more even heating. Stainless steel pans are also an option, but they may require more attention during cleaning.
Stovetop Heat
It's important to heat your pan over medium heat. High or medium-high heat can cause the bread to toast too quickly and unevenly. You can test if your pan is ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If the water sizzles and skips across the surface, your pan is ready for toasting.
Additional Tips
If you plan to use butter or oil, add it to the pan before placing your bread. This will ensure that your bread is nicely coated and will help create an even toast. Additionally, you can use a spatula to press the bread gently and ensure even toasting.
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Oil or butter?
When it comes to pan toasting, you can use either oil or butter. Both options will help prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and will add flavour to your toast.
Using butter will give your toast a savoury flavour. You can add it directly to the pan, letting it melt and coat the surface before adding the bread, or you can spread it on the bread before toasting, either on one side or both for a crisp, golden-brown finish.
If you want to use oil, you have a lot of options. Coconut oil will impart a subtly sweet and nutty flavour, making it a good choice if you plan to top your toast with fruit. Avocado oil is a good choice if you plan to top your toast with bacon and vegetables, while olive oil will give your toast a Mediterranean flavour, especially when paired with sea salt, olives, herbs, or garlic. Canola and peanut oil are also options and will lend their own unique flavours to the bread.
If you want to get really creative, you could even try using mayonnaise instead of butter or oil. Just spread a very thin layer on your bread before toasting for a crunchy finish.
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Temperature control
When using a stovetop, heat your skillet or pan to a medium or medium-high setting. You can also use a non-stick pan, which doesn't require butter or oil. However, if you prefer, you can add butter or oil to your pan or directly to the bread. If you are using butter, wait until it is fully melted before adding the bread. If using olive oil, heat it until it moves quickly around the pan and starts to shimmer.
The amount of time you leave your toast in the pan depends on your desired level of crispiness. For a golden-brown finish, cook each side of the bread for about one minute. If you prefer your toast crispier, leave it for an additional thirty seconds to a minute. Keep in mind that the higher the temperature, the less time your toast will need on each side.
To speed up the toasting process, cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat. You can also try substituting butter or oil with a thin coating of mayonnaise, which will give your toast a crunchy finish.
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Timing
If you are using a stovetop, first heat a pan over medium heat. You can add some olive oil or butter to the pan, which should take around 1 minute to heat up. The olive oil is ready when it moves quickly around the pan and starts to shimmer, and the butter is ready when it is fully melted.
Once the pan is heated, place your bread in the pan. If you are using butter, spread it on one side of the bread and place that side down in the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the bread toast for about 2 minutes. Then, add butter to the other side of the bread, cover again, and toast for another 2 minutes. If you are using olive oil, place the bread slice oil side down and let it toast for several minutes until golden brown. Then, drizzle oil on the other side of the bread, flip the slice, and toast for several minutes until golden.
For a campfire, you will need to flip the bread more frequently, about every 20 to 30 seconds, to prevent burning.
If you are using an oven, set the broiler to high and place the bread on a baking sheet. Toast each side for 1 to 2 minutes.
It is important to keep an eye on your toast to ensure it does not burn. The timing may vary depending on your heat source and the type of bread you are using, so adjust the timing as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.
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Toppings
There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for your pan-fried toast. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Savoury Options
If you're feeling savoury, why not try a Scandinavian-inspired open-faced sandwich? Top your toast with thick slices of crusty rye bread, pickles, fish, boiled eggs, or a variety of other toppings. For a Mediterranean twist, opt for a French tartine or Italian bruschetta. You can also make a simple yet delicious cheesy pan-fried toast by adding cheese, tomatoes, onions, and green chillies to your bread before frying. If you're craving something more substantial, top your toast with smoky ham, a fried or scrambled egg, or crispy bacon.
Sweet Treats
For those with a sweet tooth, the classic French toast toppings of butter and maple syrup are a winning combination. To take it to the next level, add some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you're feeling indulgent, try a thick slice of homemade bread topped with ricotta cheese laced with vanilla essence and fresh nectarine slices. Alternatively, go for a simple yet satisfying combination of butter and your favourite jam.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a non-stick pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a grill pan.
You can use either butter or oil, or skip it altogether. If you do use butter or oil, you only need a small amount, about 1 tablespoon.
You can test if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If the water sizzles and skips across the surface, it's ready.
Toast the bread for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
If you want your toast to be extra crispy, try using mayonnaise instead of butter or oil. You only need a very thin coating, and it will give your toast a lovely crunchy finish.
