What Is a Toaster Oven and How Do You Use It

A toaster oven is a small, countertop appliance that can be used for cooking or reheating food. It uses radiant heat like a regular oven and is made to toast bread or bake small items. This is a guide about using a toaster oven.

How Does It Work? 

A toaster oven cooks with hot air like a regular oven, but it can also be used for broiling and baking. The appliance can bake or broil food, and most models have settings for cooking different types of foods as well as settings for toasting bread. There are usually two racks inside the toaster which will allow you to cook multiple items at once. A typical toaster oven has up to six slots. Some people prefer using their small appliances on countertops instead of storing them in cabinets because they use less energy than full-sized appliances and take up less space. To save even more room, some units are designed so that an additional rack can be stored in the base.  

How Do You Use It? 

To use a toaster oven, you simply turn it on and set the temperature and time for cooking, although some models have automatic features that do this for you. Most units will provide at least one or two methods of preheating before you start baking or broiling.    

Using a Toaster Oven

When you are ready to use your new oven, first make sure that it is in a safe area away from anything flammable or too hot. The outside of the oven will be warm so avoid putting any plastic utensils near it and don’t let them melt. Finally, put food inside using one of the trays provided which act similarly as pans would for larger appliances like regular-sized ovens do with settings including temperature controls and some even have helpful features such as broil, convection bake toast or defrost.

The beginning when describing how to making sure it’s safely placed could start by saying “When selecting where to place your appliance” instead because people might not know what an appropriate spot for their device can look like. 

Reheating : 

Most models of toaster ovens have a “warming” setting which you can use to keep food warm before serving. If you are cooking something that has already been cooked, such as leftovers, and want it heated through, you should never use the “bake” or “broil” settings because they will not reach high enough temperatures to reheat your food. Units may also have different ways of keeping food warm while other items are being cooked. These methods could include different heat settings for your oven or small compartments in the door where you can place your food.    

 Cooking : 

To prepare most foods using a toaster oven, simply prepare the food according to its recipe. The manual for your unit will tell you the proper temperature and cooking time for your model. To toast bread, place slices on the racks and turn on the oven. Depending on your toaster, adjusting the darkness setting will change how dark or light your toast is when it’s done. 

Tips: 

To avoid undercooking or overcooking food in a toaster oven, always use accurate temperatures. Baking can take up to ten minutes more than in a regular oven because of its smaller size. Also, make sure not to measure the wattage of your unit by looking at its voltage rating. WATTAGE = VOLTAGE x AMPERAGE (P=VxI) For example, if you have a 120-volt unit that uses 1800 watts, you would divide 1800 by 120 (1800/120=15) to find you have a unit that takes 15 amps. 

Broiling: 

To begin broiling, open the door of your toaster oven and place the food on the top rack. Then set the temperature and close the door. You may have to adjust the height of your food for different broiling times. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking when using this method as it can burn your food quickly if left in too long.

Baking: 

Baking times will vary depending on the food you are cooking. Some units have “bake” and “a bake convection” settings, so check your manual for the best way to use those features. To give cakes and other baked goods more even heat distribution, place them on top of oven racks instead of directly on the bottom. 

To set up these appliances you may want to purchase an additional oven rack or two for multiple baking and broiling because most only come with one. Most toaster ovens also let you adjust the dark setting while something is being toasted to suit different tastes. Also be sure not to measure by looking at voltage rating when looking at wattage, since this can lead you astray.

To preheat toaster ovens, you may have to turn it on and set the temperature a few minutes before cooking to ensure that your food is heated properly. To save space, some units also come with a rack that can be stored in the base when not being used. Other additional racks are available for purchase as well. 

Roasting: 

To roast larger items such as whole chickens or roasts, place the food in a roasting pan and put it on the bottom rack of your toaster oven. Some models come with a special “roast” setting you can use or have different settings for different foods. Be sure not to exceed the recommended temperatures when using this method. 

General Tips: 

Always unplug your unit and allow it to cool off before cleaning. Depending on what method you choose, broiling can burn your food quickly if left unattended. If possible, avoid opening your door during cooking because this will release heat from inside the unit. Foods cooked in these units should be done after they are browned on top and thoroughly heated, not undercooked. 

The three Basic Settings on Toaster Ovens

There are usually three settings that all toaster ovens should retail with: toast, broil, and bake. These are explained in detail below.

The Bake Setting:

When purchasing a toaster oven, keep in mind that they typically only heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why using the bake setting is usually necessary for most foods and will take about ten more minutes than if it was baked in a conventional oven. Keep an eye on your food while baking by lifting the door (carefully) every few minutes to see how it’s cooking. The toast setting: 

To toast bread, place slices on the racks and turn on the oven. Depending on your toaster, adjusting the darkness setting will change how dark or light your toast is when it’s done. To avoid burning you may want to cook at lower settings but watch closely, always checking often so as not to overcook. If your bread gets stuck in the toaster, check the website for your oven’s manual (it should be included) or find a local service center. 

The broil setting:

This setting will work best with meats and vegetables. Many ovens have an option that allows you to cook on top of the racks instead of directly below them. When cooking larger items such as roasts, place them on a roasting pan and set them at the bottom. Follow all cooking times carefully and check often towards the end so that you don’t overcook your food. Most units shut off automatically when done but if yours remains on keep an eye on what it’s doing. Some people like to experiment by replacing their oven’s regular rack with two wire cooling racks to cook more than one thing at once.

If you follow these basic guidelines and tips, you’ll be cooking with your toaster oven like a pro in no time. If you do run into problems or have other questions, take a look through the manual included with most units or find a local service center for support.

The Toast Setting:

The toast setting is by far the simplest of all. To use it, simply turn on your oven and place your bread slices directly on the rack in a single layer. For best results, keep them at least one inch apart from each other so that they are not touching.

Now just wait for your oven to heat up and when done, check to see how well you’ve cooked it by lifting the door (again, carefully) every few minutes while cooking until done. If burnt or overdone lift out your toast and replace it with a new batch while checking often so as not to overcook.

Typical toaster oven fare

There are so many things you can cook in a toaster oven. Besides toast, bagels, and sandwiches, the most common thing for people to use their toasters ovens for is warming up frozen snacks like pizza rolls (which I love), chicken nuggets/tenders, mozzarella sticks, etc.

Roast your veggies

You can roast your veggies in a toaster oven just like you would in an actual oven. Just place them on the tray, drizzle some olive oil and salt and pepper then pop them in! I’ve used my toaster oven more times for roasting than using it as a mini-oven and bread box combined.

Baked potatoes

You can bake potatoes in a toaster oven, and they come out just as well as any oven! Just wash the potato thoroughly. If you want to add flavor to your spud (salt and pepper) do so before wrapping it up. Then wrap it in foil, making sure that all of the ends are sealed closed. Place the potato on top of one of the racks and cook for about an hour at around 400°F.

Here is how I make my sweet potato fries: Preheat your oven to 425F degrees and line a tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them into thick wedges then place them flat on your baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle your potatoes with olive oil and add salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to taste. I love using a chili powder blend or paprika with sea salt. Place the sweet potatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway. Make sure they’re nice and golden brown before taking them out of the oven!

If you’re looking for a Baked Potato Toaster Oven Check Here

Bratwurst

BRATWURST IN TOASTER OVEN RECIPE

Ingredients:

3 bratwurst sausages 6 hamburger buns 1 tub of your favorite mustard 4 slices cheese Directions: Preheat toaster oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut Bratwurst in half lengthwise. Place bottom halves of buns on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned. Place Bratwurst halves in a toaster oven cut sides up. Top each sausage with 1 tablespoon mustard and 1 slice of cheese. Broil for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot, with additional mustard if desired.

Ribs 

Can you bake ribs in your toaster oven? 

Why not? If you can bake a frozen pizza or reheat a plate of leftovers, you can make ribs in your toaster oven! Once you know how to do it, ribs are one of the most versatile foods that you can cook in a small kitchen appliance. You don’t have to wait for summer grilling weather or go out and buy an expensive slow cooker! Preparing this dish is as easy as opening a bag of chips. With just four ingredients and little time, you’ll be enjoying tender succulent baby back pork loin (or beef) ribs cooked with homemade barbecue sauce slathered on top!

Ingredients for toaster oven ribs:

2 lbs. lean pork loin baby back ribs or beef short ribs 1 cup barbecue sauce 1 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. onion powder (optional)

Directions for toaster oven ribs:

Preheat your toaster oven, convection oven, or conventional oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray; set aside. Rinse ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the rack on the prepared pan and arrange the ribs on top of it in a single layer, bone side down if you are using baby back pork loin ribs or meaty down if you are using beef short ribs. In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and onion powder (optional), mixing well. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the ribs. Bake for 1 hour or until meat is tender and comes away from the bone easily. Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a microwave-safe dish and brush onto cooked ribs to make them shiny if you wish. Then serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings (2 full racks).

Nutritional Information:

Calories 313,

Calories from Fat 37%,

Total Fat 8g,

Saturated Fat 3g,

Cholesterol 100mg,

Sodium 534mg,

Carbohydrates 23g,

Dietary Fiber 0g,

Sugars 20g,

Protein 34g.

Cookies and treats in toaster oven recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/5 cup flour (for whole wheat bread, use 2 1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour and 3 tbsp vital wheat gluten)

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter or margarine (use Earth Balance for vegan version)

2 tablespoons sugar (honey for vegan version)

1 egg for a vegan version (or substitute 2 flax eggs: mix 2 tbsp ground flax with 5 tbsp water and let sit 10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency)

2 tablespoons milk alternatives such as rice milk, soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk – if using coconut milk make sure to get the unsweetened kind in a cart not canned. Add just enough to make the batter moist and thick enough to suspend all of the dry ingredients.

as much milk (or alternative) as needed to mix with the remaining 1/5 cup flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Sugar in raw for dusting on top before baking

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon together until combined. Add butter or margarine cut into pieces and blend it through using fingers or a pastry blender (pastry blender works best). Alternatively, you can use an electric mixer if that’s easier. Make sure the butter is no longer in pieces but instead fully incorporated into what looks like crumbs (pictured below). If using a mixer, mix at low speed until the dough starts to come together. Add egg (or flax eggs) and milk alternative as well as any remaining flour if needed to make a soft, slightly sticky dough that holds together when pressed into a ball with your hands. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured countertop or cutting board and knead 10 times or until smooth and uniform in texture. Press down into the rough shape of a rectangle, then cut it in half and press each rectangle into an 8″ by 4″ inch thick rectangle.

One will be for the vanilla treat recipe below; the other you can keep plain like this for chocolate-covered teaspoon-sized treats from now on. Cut each long roll into 2-3 equal slices depending on how many treats you want. Make sure to leave them larger at the ends as they will “melt” down as you bake them and the melted bits are what makes this treat so yummy. For vanilla version: roll dough into a ball then flatten it slightly, dust with sugar in raw then slice into 6 equal parts (roughly). Press each part flat for a rectangular shape and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart. 

For the chocolate-covered version: follow the same directions but use your hands to make an indentation down the center of each piece of dough before rolling out the rest of it. Bake treats for 15 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. When removed from the oven immediately press any leftover indentations back down – this allows the melted butter to “fill” back in and makes the treat even better than before. Allow cooling slightly on the baking sheet then transfer to the cooling rack or plate for another 5 minutes, then serve warm. Treats will be soft when fresh out of the oven like a gooey chocolate chip cookie but they harden up more as they cool. Store leftovers in the fridge if not eating all at once. Reheat briefly for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving again – this keeps the treats nice and chewy just like they’re supposed to be!

Some mistakes people make while using a toaster oven

When you are going to use a toaster oven the first thing you have to check is whether it has a removable or non-removable tray and rack. If your toaster oven comes with a tray then that should be removed before putting food in it, but if it doesn’t come with any tray then you will have to buy one separately.

If you are using a baking pan which is made of aluminum or glass then place it on the lower rack while using the toaster oven. But if you are using a metal pizza pan then place it on top of the upper rack.

The next important thing is about preheating your oven which usually takes 25% more time than an oven so always remember when placing food inside make sure that your oven is fully heated before you do so.

The last but most important thing is about oven temperatures because people usually make a big mistake of setting the oven to full power and then placing food inside it, that reduces the life of your oven because maximum heat should only be used when you want to broil or sear something.

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