What to cook in a toaster oven? 10 foods to prepare on the countertop

Toast is usually the first suggestion when asked what can be cooked in a toaster oven. One of these helps prepare a wide variety of foods, including snacks, side dishes, and main courses.

Choose a high-quality toaster oven, and in addition to perfectly toasted bread and bagels, you can cook pizzas, vegetables, and, depending on the model, a turkey.

This guide will help you get the most out of your countertop cooking solution, whether you’re just starting with it or looking to make a wider variety of dishes.

WHAT TO COOK IN A TOASTER OVEN

If you’re looking for a replacement for your best toaster, a toaster oven may be the way to go. Moreover, it can cook rapidly and crisp nicely, and some models even have an air-frying option, cutting down on the number of tiny kitchen gadgets you’ll need.

However, which dishes are best suited for its application? What to cook in a toaster oven according to our experts.

1. PREPARE TOAST AND BAGELS IN A TOASTER OVEN

A toaster oven can be used to cook toast and brown bagels, so we won’t bother telling you anything you already know. Nonetheless, it would be best to experiment with toasting bread other than a conventional loaf.

“Some come with fully adjustable brownness settings to cook numerous slices at once,” says Millie Fender, small appliance and cooking editor for Homes & Gardens. “Those who prefer artisanal bread that might not fit in a regular toaster will find this especially useful.”

The appliance’s toasting ability could be handy for more than just breakfast. Delicious bruschetta may be made by toasting baguette slices and then topping them with tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

2. MAKE GRANOLA IN A TOASTER OVEN

For granola lovers, a toaster oven is a great way to get a batch ready quickly. Using a blender can be faster than a range when making your version of this delicious breakfast or snack. Depending on the size of your toaster oven, you may need to adjust the recipe’s serving size accordingly; otherwise, you can use it as usual.

Helen McCue, a contributing editor at Homes & Gardens, says, “In my regular oven, it takes 20 minutes to bake granola with a stir halfway through, plus there are the 10 minutes or so that the oven takes to warm.” How about a toaster oven? She reports “an impressive eight-minute reduction in cook time compared to her regular oven.”

3. PUT BACON IN THE TOASTER OVEN

A toaster oven is a great way to prepare bacon and other breakfast meats. If so, why? A number. The first advantage is that you don’t have to monitor the stovetop while cooking constantly. Second, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning a greasy skillet, covering the baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil will make cleanup a breeze.

The bacon should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like. The fact that bacon can be cooked in an air fryer is also noteworthy.

4. PREPARE PORK CHOPS IN A TOASTER OVEN

Pork chops cooked in a toaster oven come out juicy and tender. Quick reheating times mean dinner can be on the table more quickly than possible with a conventional oven. Depending on your preferences, the features of your toaster oven, and the type of chops you bought, you could either bake them or roast them.

5. COOK FRIES IN A TOASTER OVEN

Instead of investing in the most excellent air fryer, you’re using a toaster oven? If so, fries are probably high on your list of items to cook using the air fry setting. With one of these devices, you can have crisp fries on the outside and fluffy in the middle with just a spray of oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.

The procedure is also speedy. Future’s eCommerce editor, Jaclyn Turner, put the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry to the test and quickly whipped up some tasty fries. In about 15 minutes, she claims, she had “whipping up some steak fries” (pretty much the thickest you could try).

6. DRY FRUIT IN A TOASTER OVEN

You don’t need a dehydrator to make dried fruit, which can be used as a garnish or a simple snack; you only need a toaster oven. Consider dried fruits, including apples, plums, berries, peaches, bananas, and more.

If you want to dry fruits this way, slice them thinly and keep in mind that it will take a low temperature and several hours to dry the fruit, but you may get other things done.

7. BAKE COOKIES IN A TOASTER OVEN

Like the thought of baking cookies in a lesser quantity without having to preheat a huge oven? Then perhaps a toaster oven is the best option. You may use pre-made cookie dough or whip up a small batch from scratch, and either way, you’ll have tasty cookies with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.

Utilize the bake setting on the toaster oven. However, remember that the cooking time may need to be modified compared to your traditional oven.

8. PREP A GRILLED CHEESE IN A TOASTER OVEN

Is there something you can eat quickly that will fill you up? A grilled cheese sandwich will do the trick, and you can make it without using the stovetop by simply popping it into the toaster oven. Please ensure the oven rack is at its lowest setting, and a baking sheet is placed inside the hot oven.

Each toast should have one side buttered; place the buttered side down on the plate, then top with the cheese. Brown one side of the sandwich for a few minutes, then flip it over to brown the other side and melt the cheese.

9. ROAST VEGETABLES IN A TOASTER OVEN

Veggies roasted in a toaster oven make a nutritious and appetizing side dish. Vegetables can be prepared in their forms, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, or carrots (the latter are especially tasty when topped with a sprinkling of fresh herbs), or in combined forms, such as potatoes and veggies. It’s essential to prep the veggies by cutting them into uniform sizes, then tossing them in oil and seasoning before cooking.

10. BAKE BREAD IN A TOASTER OVEN

When using a toaster oven for baking bread, remember that you may need to reduce the loaf size compared to what you would bake in a conventional oven and that the bread may need more oven to rise if you do. Heating times must be modified to accommodate this specific kind of oven.

What more do I need? Before placing the bread in the oven, preheat it, and then keep a tight check on it as it bakes. Given the limited space in a toaster oven, you might need to use aluminum foil to shield the bread’s exterior from cooking while the interior continues to bake.

CAN YOU COOK MEALS IN A TOASTER OVEN?

A toaster oven serves multiple purposes, including cooking full meals, warming leftovers, and baking delicious pastries. Remember that you won’t be able to cook for as many people as you would in a conventional oven, so you may need to adapt your recipes accordingly.

However, the specific model does make a difference. Although most toaster ovens aren’t big enough to accommodate an entire chicken, certain models are. You could also consider lasagna and similar foods.

If you’re planning on serving a meal in a toaster oven, it’s essential to consider which components can be served at room temperature rather than hot out of the oven.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A TOASTER OVEN?

It’s essential to be informed of the toaster oven’s drawbacks before committing to its use. First, as we’ve already established, you won’t have the luxury of keeping whatever you’ve already prepared warm and won’t be able to cook multiple items at once.

A toaster oven’s limited capacity can be a hindrance when cooking for a large group. Its size may also restrict the types of food that can be cooked, such as a Thanksgiving turkey, a huge pizza, or a loaf of bread.

Also, remember that there is a wide range of toaster cooking models, so it’s crucial to research each model’s different cooking modes to ensure you’re not losing out on any essential features.