Top 10 Toaster Oven Hacks You Need to Try
When it comes to kitchen appliances, the toaster oven is often underestimated. Many people think of it as a device for making toast, but it can do so much more. From baking and broiling to reheating and roasting, the toaster oven is a versatile tool that can make your cooking experience easier and more efficient. This article will explore the top 10 toaster oven hacks to help you make the most of this underrated appliance.
See the Best Toaster Ovens on the Market
1. Gooey S’mores Indoors
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crispy graham crackers? With your toaster oven, you can enjoy delicious s’mores without the need for a campfire. Use the bake or broil setting to melt the marshmallows and chocolate quickly, then sandwich them between the graham crackers. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have a batch of gooey s’mores ready to indulge. No campfire is needed!
How to make Gooey S’mores by Toaster Oven Love
2. Keep Pancakes Warm Until They’re All Ready To Eat
If you love making pancakes for breakfast or brunch, you know the struggle of keeping them warm while you cook the rest of the batter. With a toaster oven, this problem is easily solved. If your toaster oven has one, place the cooked pancakes in a low-temperature or warm setting. The toaster oven will keep your first batch of pancakes nice and toasty while you finish cooking the rest. Say goodbye to cold pancakes!
Tip: Learn how to warm your pancakes in a toaster oven for step-by-step instructions.
3. Reheat Leftover Pizza to Crispy Chewy Perfection
We all know leftover pizza can be disappointing when reheated in the microwave. The crust becomes soggy, and the cheese loses its melty goodness. But fear not because your toaster oven is here to save the day. You can reheat your leftover pizza with the toaster oven to crispy, chewy perfection. There is no need to preheat the oven; place the pizza slices directly on the rack or a baking sheet and let the toaster oven work its magic. In just a few minutes, you’ll have piping hot pizza that tastes as good as when fresh.
4. Cook The Best Tasting Vegetables Faster
Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish, but cooking in a traditional oven can take a while. With a toaster oven, you can enjoy the same great flavor of roasted veggies in less time. The toaster oven’s quick preheat and convection fan help cook the vegetables faster while achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior. The options are limitless, from asparagus to sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and spaghetti squash. Get creative and explore all the delicious veggies you can cook in your toaster oven.
Tip: Discover a wide variety of vegetables you can cook in your toaster oven.
5. Enjoy an Epic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food classic, and your toaster oven can take them to a whole new level. The toaster oven’s even heating element and compact size make it perfect for creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you prefer a classic combination of bread and cheese or want to experiment with different flavors like apple and Havarti, the toaster oven has covered you.
Tip: Check out our this yummy toaster oven grilled cheese recipes and take your sandwich game to the next level.
6. Bake No-Knead Bread Without Heating The House
Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience, but it often requires using a full-sized oven, which can heat your kitchen. With a toaster oven, you can enjoy freshly baked bread without turning on the big oven. Scale down your favorite no-knead bread recipe to fit the toaster oven, and enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread any time of the year.
Tip: Try the small no-knead bread recipe for a quick and easy way to bake bread in your toaster oven.
7. Whip Up a Breakfast Sandwich Faster Than The Drive-Thru
Start your day with a warm, toasty breakfast sandwich ready in just 10 minutes. With a toaster oven, you can easily make a delicious breakfast sandwich using a few essential ingredients and the toast setting. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try using frozen waffles as the bread for a unique twist. Say goodbye to long drive-thru lines and enjoy a homemade breakfast sandwich in the comfort of your kitchen.
Tip: Make a toaster oven breakfast sandwich – step-by-step instructions.
8. Indulge Your Inner Cookie Monster Without Lots of Leftovers
Sometimes, you want a warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookie without making a whole batch. You can satisfy your cookie cravings with a toaster oven by baking just a few at a time. Whip up a small set of your favorite cookie dough and bake it in the toaster oven whenever the urge strikes. If you prefer not to have extra dough, try one of our indulgent toaster oven chocolate cookie recipes. With options like oatmeal and shortbread, there’s something for every cookie lover.
Tip: Explore small-batch cookie recipe .
9. Revive Day-Old Muffins and Biscuits
If you have leftover muffins or biscuits that have gone slightly stale, keep them away. Your toaster oven can bring them back to life by reheating them perfectly. The toaster oven’s gentle heat will keep the inside tender while toasting the outside to a crispy golden brown. It’s like magic!
10. Melt Chocolate For Dipping and Drizzling
When you need to melt a small amount of chocolate for dipping or drizzling, your toaster oven can rescue you. It’s a quick and easy alternative to using a microwave or stovetop. Place the chocolate in a heat-safe dish and let the toaster oven rest. You can make a small batch of Magic Shell by melting coconut oil with the chocolate. It’s perfect for topping a scoop of ice cream.
Conclusion
The toaster oven is a versatile and underrated kitchen appliance that can do much more than make toast. With these top 10 toaster oven hacks, you can explore a whole new world of cooking possibilities. From s’mores and grilled cheese sandwiches to roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread, the toaster oven is a tool that can make your life in the kitchen more accessible and more enjoyable. So why not dust off your toaster oven and experiment with these hacks today? Your taste buds will thank you.