15 Suitable Dishes You Can Prepare in a Toaster Oven
Rewritten Article:
Tired of your toaster oven collecting dust on your counter? Fret not! Here's a list of 15 creative, mouthwatering ideas to revitalize your mini oven and make the most of it. Whether you're craving a piping hot meal or a quick snack, this small powerhouse can handle it all!
Sure, you can make a bagel or reheat last night's takeout, but the toaster oven's true potential lies beyond these. Given its miniature version of a full-size oven, it's able to cook an array of delicious dishes if you decrease the serving sizes—think a single chicken leg, broiled salmon for two, or roasted veggies, kale chips, nachos, or granola. Even miniature lasagna is achievable!
This appliance is perfect for certain types of food, such as toasted, roasted, or melted dishes. But don’t be surprised if it impresses you with its versatility. Ready to explore how to make the most of your trusty toaster oven? Let's dive in!
1. Toasted Sandwiches (or Tuna Melts)
Who said toastie mastery is exclusive to large ovens? Skip the pan and make a no-fuss melted cheese sandwich or a tuna melt in your toaster oven. Lay a piece of foil on a pan, assemble your preferred ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you're good to go! Need help making the perfect tuna melt? Check out our Tuna Melt Guide.
2. Baked Potato Skins
Baked potato skins might just be the ultimate toaster oven snack. Bake one or two potatoes in the oven, top them with your preferred toppings, and voilà! You've got a satisfying snack that's perfect for leftover meat, veggies, or pantry staples. For a fancier options, check out our Potato Skins Guide with tasty recipes.
3. One-Pan Eggs
Ramekins are a versatile tool for the toaster oven—perfect for small portion sizes or individual servings. Try cracking an egg into a ramekin, add some butter, cheese, and seasonings, and bake for a simple and quick breakfast or lunch. Serve with bacon or sausage for breakfast, or add a salad and some toast for lunch.
4. Toaster Oven Bacon
Cooking a small batch of bacon in your toaster oven is hassle-free and mess-free. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent any grease spillage and keep a fire extinguisher handy. If you start to notice too much grease accumulation, drain it halfway through the cooking process.
5. Mac and Cheese Bites
A mini muffin pan is an excellent investment for your toaster oven, as it can handle a variety of individual portions suitable for leftovers or smaller meals. Try transforming mac and cheese into bite-sized, crispy delights by filling prosciutto cups with the mixture and baking them in the oven. You can make mini-frittatas, meatloaf, and more using your muffin pan!
6. Pita Pizzas
Store-bought Bagel Bites are undoubtedly tasty, but have you considered using your toaster oven to make pizzas on pitas (or naan or any other flatbread)? Pile your toppings on, bake to your preferred level of doneness and enjoy your DIY toaster oven pizza! Explore some unconventional topping ideas and lighter topping combos for summer inspiration.
7. Cookies on the Go
Baking cookies in the toaster oven opens up the possibility of making one or two at a time, without the guilt of leaving your large oven empty. Take advantage of pre-portioned cookie dough or cookie dough logs, frozen on a baking sheet, and stored in zip-top freezer bags. Just remember to use the bake function, preheat the oven before baking, and keep an eye on your cookies, as baking times may vary from your regular oven, especially if you're baking from frozen.
8. English Muffins with Caramelized Bananas
Craving something sweet for breakfast but not quite ready for a full-blown dessert later in the day? Try topping your English muffins with caramelized bananas! It's as simple as sprinkling a bit of sugar on top and baking in the toaster oven for a few minutes. Get the full details in our English Muffins with Caramelized Bananas recipe.
9. Hard-boiled Eggs
Baking eggs in the oven is uncommon, but it's an excellent alternative if you're hurting for space or can't boil water. Larger batches may require a bit more time, but making a single or a dozen eggs is no problem. Check out our guide on making hard-boiled eggs in the oven, and discover more helpful tips here.
10. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This rich and creamy dip is perfect for a small gathering or as a satisfying snack for one or two. Halve the Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe to fit nicely in your toaster oven, just make sure you have an oven-safe dish that fits properly.
11. Mini Jalapeño Poppers
Looking for a snack to enjoy with a cold beer? Whip up a batch of mini jalapeño poppers using your toaster oven. Simply prepare, broil, and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness! This is also an excellent way to utilize leftover cream cheese.
12. Portobello Burgers
Though a regular burger might perform better on a searing-hot cast iron skillet or a grill, portobello mushrooms are a great alternative for the toaster oven. Roast the mushrooms with your preferred spices and seasonings, and add cheese to melt if you wish. Bake your buns in the toaster oven as well, then load your creation with the fixings of your choice—chimichurri, pesto, or homemade mayo are all delicious options. Follow our Portobello Burger recipe as a starting point and adjust spices to fit your toaster oven.
13. Tomato Confit
Master the art of confit tomatoes in the toaster oven! This tangy, rich condiment is perfect for enhancing the flavors of various dishes. Get our Tomato Confit recipe and discover the culinary possibilities.
14. Molten Chocolate Cakes
With ramekins, there's truly no limit to the desserts you can create for one or two. Our Molten Chocolate Cake recipe makes four cakes, making it simple to prepare for a romantic evening or a small gathering. Consider cutting the ingredient amounts in half for two servings, or make the full batch and store the batter for up to three days in the fridge, baking one cake at a time.
15. 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée
Ramekins strike again! Dive into the luxury of homemade crème brûlée, with only three ingredients required. This extra-indulgent dessert is perfect for a weekday treat. Plan ahead, as it requires a bain marie (i.e., water bath), and you'll need a mini casserole dish to set it up in your toaster oven. While this recipe takes a bit of patience, it will be worth every second of waiting! Follow this 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée recipe on TikTok for a delightful culinary sensation.
Embrace the small but mighty might of your toaster oven and start experimenting with these 15 creative recipes. Whether you're looking to create a filling meal or a delectable snack, the toaster oven will not disappoint!
- Toaster Oven Bacon offers the convenience of cooking a small batch of bacon without the mess, but it's essential to keep an eye on it and drain excess grease halfway through the cooking process.
- Fluctuating your meal ideas, why not make individual servings of One-Pan Eggs in ramekins? Add butter, cheese, and seasonings for a quick breakfast or lunch that's easily ready in the toaster oven.
- If you're honestly looking for something sweet, consider relegating your focus to English Muffins with Caramelized Bananas. The simple touch of sugar on top and a few minutes in the toaster oven will satiate your cravings for a dessert-like breakfast without compromising on flavor.
