Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast or indulging in a midnight snack, that crisp, golden-brown toast with a warm, tender interior is hard to beat. For most, the automatic process of making this simple treat is using a reliable toaster, a quick and efficient tool that has one job and does it reasonably well. However, when you have the luxury of time, and your quest is towards achieving toast that is not just good, but great, turn toward the stove. A good old frying pan will become your secret weapon.
To start off, you’ll need a stovetop, frying pan, some butter or oil, and of course, slices of your favorite bread. Begin by preheating the pan on a medium setting, adding a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of oil as it warms. Once the base is adequately heated and the butter or oil evenly spread, place your bread slices in the pan and cook them until they reach your desired level of crispiness. This will typically take one to two minutes per side, but you can adjust the time based on your preference.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more similar to your toaster-made toast, simply follow the exact same steps but omit the butter or oil on the pan. Just crisp the bread slices in a dry heated pan, and then top with high-quality butter later. Unlike the toaster, the pan-frying method is more hands-on, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s why.
Why this hack beats using a toaster any day
First, it’s all about the texture. When you pan-fry your bread, you have greater control over the texture. You can achieve that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, slightly chewy interior. It’s a texture that’s hard to replicate with a toaster. Additionally, pan-frying allows you to customize your toast to your liking. Want it a little darker? Just leave it in the pan a bit longer. Prefer a lighter, milder toast? Adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’re in charge.
One of the most significant advantages of pan-frying is the opportunity to infuse your toast with additional flavors. Butter, olive oil, or even peanut or sesame oil can be added to the pan to impart a unique and delicious taste to your toast. You’ll have the opportunity to coat both sides of the bread. Take it a notch higher by adding some spices to the oil, like cinnamon or cumin.
Moreover, pan-frying is versatile, making it easy to experiment with different types of bread and widths of slices. From thick rustic sourdough to tiny crostini, or even English muffins, you can explore a world of flavors and textures by simply switching up your choice of bread. So the next time you have a few extra minutes in the kitchen, try pan-frying your toast and then savor the delicious difference it makes.
