How to Cut Bread for the Toaster

If you've ever butchered a loaf of fresh homemade bread while trying to cut a slice for the toaster, you already know how important it is to make a nice clean slice of bread that will actually fit in the slot of the toaster. The key to your success lies in the knife you choose. Learn how to slice fresh baked bread without ruining the shape of the loaf and getting that perfect slice for your morning toast.

Things You'll Need

• Loaf of Fresh Baked Bread
• Wire Rack
• Cutting board
• Bread Knife
• Toaster
• Cast Iron Frying Pan (optional)
• Butter or Jelly

Instructions

1. Set freshly baked bread on a wire rack to cool. Hot or warm bread will not hold its shape well if you try to slice it right out of the oven.

2. Place cooled bread on a cutting board.

3. Choose a sharp serrated knife with a thin blade that has been designed for slicing bread. Thick or flat knives are wonderful for carving meats or chopping vegetables, but are not designed to cut bread. Trying to do so will ruin the loaf and result in a squished slice of bread that does not hold its shape well.

4. Slice the bread 3/4 to 1 inch thick by gently breaking through the crust with a slight sawing motion. Continue to cut the slice with this same motion while applying gentle pressure until you have reached the bottom of the slice.

5. Be careful to cut an even slice that maintains the same thickness throughout.

6. Toast in the toaster and serve with butter or jelly.

Tips & Warnings

• The desired thickness of the bread slice you choose to make will depend on the type of toaster you have and how wide the individual slots are in the toaster. Always use your own toaster as a guide to proper thickness.

• To simulate old fashioned toast like Grandma used to make on the wood stove, simply heat a cast iron frying pan until hot and place the bread slices in the pan. Do not add butter to the pan. Toast until golden brown on the bottom and turn to toast the second side. This will create a nice crisp toast that is brimming with flavor. Serve with butter or jelly.