Toast
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- For other meanings, see Toast (disambiguation).
Toast is bread that has been browned by exposure to dry heat. This browning reaction is called the Maillard Reaction. Toasting warms the bread and also makes it firmer, so that it holds toppings more securely. Toasting is also a common method of making stale bread more palatable.
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Toasting methods
The usual method of toasting bread is by the use of a toaster, a small appliance made for that purpose. Bread is also toasted under a grill (US: broiler) or in an open oven, lying on an oven rack. Toaster ovens are special small appliances made for toasting bread or for heating small amounts of other foods. Bread is also toasted by holding it near but not directly over an open flame, as a campfire or fireplace; special toaster utensils (e.g. toasting forks) are made for this purpose.
Preparation and use
Care must be taken while toasting bread to avoid burning it.
Toast is most commonly eaten with butter or margarine spread over it, which ideally melts into the toast once spread. Toast may also be eaten dry or with additional or alternative preserves, spreads or other toppings. Toast and jam or toast and marmalade are British breakfast favourites. Toast is sometimes used instead of fresh bread for making sandwiches.
Toast is an important component of many breakfasts, and is also important in some traditional bland specialty diets for people with gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea (such as the BRAT diet consisting of bananas, rice, apples (or applesauce), and toast).
Bread can also be cubed before being toasted, sometimes after being coated with seasonings. These toasted cubes are called croutons, and are often added to salads, soups, and other dishes.
Additional notes
- An old French joke credits the English as inventing toast as the only way to butter the bread in their climate.
- French toast is not toast in the usual sense, but is bread fried with an egg-mixture coating.