Tillie Doyle
Sourdough is notoriously difficult to toast, with many people finding that their crusts burn before the centre is cooked. This is because sourdough contains very little sugar, and the sugar in bread is what caramelises and gives it that golden brown colour. However, there are ways to get around this. If you're toasting your sourdough in a pan, you'll want to cut your bread into even slices, brush both sides with olive oil, and toast each side for 2-3 minutes. If you're feeling indulgent, you can add butter to your pan and wait until it's foamy before adding your bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread thickness | 2.5cm (1 inch) thick slices |
| Pan type | Non-stick or cast-iron skillet/frying pan |
| Pan heat | Medium |
| Oil type | Olive oil, butter, or coconut oil |
| Oil application | Brushed on both sides of the bread |
| Oil function | Crisps the bread |
| Toast time | 2-3 minutes on each side |
| Adjustments | Adjust heat if browning too quickly |
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What You'll Learn
Warm up the pan
Warming up the pan is the first step in toasting sourdough bread on a stovetop. You will need a heavy skillet or frying pan, preferably a cast-iron skillet. Heat the pan over medium heat. It is important to get the temperature just right—the pan should be hot enough to brown the bread but not burn it. A moderate temperature is key to toasting your sourdough evenly without burning.
If you are using butter, melt it in the pan. You can add the bread to the pan once the butter is foamy. If you are not using butter, warm up the dry pan before placing the bread in it.
You can spritz or spray the pan with oil before adding the bread. You can also brush the bread with olive oil or butter before placing it in the pan. This step is important as it helps achieve a beautifully golden and crispy exterior.
If you are toasting multiple slices of bread, you can place the warmed pan on a tray in the oven to keep the bread warm while you toast the remaining slices.
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Prepare the bread
Sourdough bread can be tricky to toast due to its low sugar content and high acidity, which make it harder to achieve an even browning. However, this can be remedied by adding some sugar or neutralising the acidity with baking soda.
To prepare the bread for pan toasting, start by slicing the sourdough into even slices, ideally about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. A happy medium in terms of thickness is important: too thin, and the bread will lose its warm, chewy interior; too thick, and the oil won't be able to permeate the surface, throwing off the crispy-chewy balance.
Brush both sides of the bread lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This step is crucial, as it helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. It also adds flavour and ensures that the bread toasts evenly. If you're feeling indulgent, you can use both butter and oil for the best results.
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Place the slices in the pan
Toasting sourdough in a pan is an art, and you can achieve a perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft. Firstly, ensure your slices are cut evenly, not too thin, and not too thick—a happy medium is required. A moderate slice thickness will ensure a warm, chewy interior, while allowing the exterior to crisp up nicely.
Now, brush both sides of your sourdough slices with olive oil. This is an important step, as the oil needs to soak slightly into the bread's surface to crisp it up. You can also use melted butter, or a combination of both.
Next, place the slices in the pan. Ensure your pan is warmed up first, and that you have added butter to it, melting it over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to brown the bread, but not burn it. You can skip the butter in the pan for a lighter option, but for the best results, use both butter and oil.
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Flip the bread
Now, it's time to flip the bread. If you're using a skillet or frying pan, you'll want to toast the bread for 2-3 minutes or until it's golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want it to burn. Once it's golden, use a spatula to carefully flip the bread over. This ensures an even toast on both sides.
If your bread is getting too dark during cooking, remember that you can always turn down the heat. You can also adjust the heat if the bread is toasting too quickly and getting too dark. You want to aim for a moderate temperature that will toast your sourdough evenly without burning.
If you're making French toast, you'll only need to flip the bread once the bottom is golden, which should take about 2 minutes. Then, cook the other side for another 2 minutes until it's also golden.
For oven toasting, you'll want to flip the slices of bread halfway through the baking process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for evenly toasting without burning. Then, lightly brush each slice of bread with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy edge. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remember, whether you're using a pan or an oven, flipping the bread at the right time is crucial for achieving an even toast and the perfect texture and colour.
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Serve with toppings
Sourdough's unique, tangy flavour and chewy texture make it a great choice for a wide range of tasty toppings. Its hearty texture is the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from light and fresh to rich and savoury. Sourdough's distinct taste pairs well with bold and subtle flavours, from creamy avocados to ripe tomatoes, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of sweet honey.
- Avocado toast: This is a classic choice that can be made even better with a drizzle of honey and some chilli flakes for a sweet and spicy kick. You can also add sea salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Cream cheese and tomato: A simple yet delicious combination. You could also add some red cabbage or radishes for an unexpected twist.
- Peanut butter and honey: A classic combination that is perfect for sourdough. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seed butter instead.
- Herbed goat cheese, avocado, and a fried egg: This is a more indulgent option, but the creamy cheese and runny egg yolk will pair perfectly with the tanginess of the sourdough. You could also add some diced bacon for an extra treat.
- Greek yoghurt and berries: This sweet and savoury combination is a great way to start your day. You could also add some honey for extra sweetness.
- Honey and toasted pecans: Drizzle your favourite honey on top of your sourdough and sprinkle with chopped, toasted pecans for a sweet and crunchy treat.
- Hummus and tomato: Hummus is a great source of protein and makes a delicious topping for sourdough. Add some fresh tomato slices and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Chorizo and mushroom saute: Chorizo is packed with flavour, so you don't need much else to make this a delicious snack. Simply add some mushroom saute and sea salt, or some veggie chorizo if you prefer a plant-based option.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the sourdough into even slices. Brush both sides with olive oil. Add butter to a skillet or frying pan, and melt it over medium heat. Wait until the butter is foamy, then add the oiled sourdough to the pan. Toast for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Then, turn to the second side and toast until golden. Serve warm.
It takes around 2-3 minutes to toast each side of a slice of sourdough in a pan. The time may vary depending on the heat level and the thickness of the bread slices.
The best way to toast sourdough bread depends on your preferences and equipment. You can toast sourdough in a toaster, pan, or oven. Toasting in a pan allows for a hands-on approach, giving you full control over the texture and color of your toast. However, it may take longer than a toaster. Oven toasting is a great option if you want to toast multiple slices at once.
