How to Make the Perfect Toast

Not all bread toasts the same way, and the type of bread you use can drastically affect the outcome. Here's a guide to toasting different types of bread commonly found in Australian supermarkets and bakeries, with tips on achieving the perfect golden crunch every time.

  1. White Bread

White bread is a classic choice in Australian households. Made from refined flour, it tends to be soft and uniform, making it quick to toast.

  • How to Toast: White bread typically requires a shorter toasting time due to its fine texture and sugar content. For a light golden finish, set your toaster to a medium setting. This will crisp the exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
  1. Wholemeal Bread

Wholemeal bread is made from whole grains and retains more of the wheat kernel than white bread, giving it a denser, grainier texture. It’s packed with fibre, making it a healthy option, but it can also take longer to toast.

  • How to Toast: Wholemeal bread benefits from a medium-high setting. Its denser texture means it takes a bit longer to reach that perfect crunch without becoming too hard or dry. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  1. Sourdough Bread

Sourdough is popular in artisan bakeries across Australia, known for its chewy texture and slightly tangy flavour. It’s made using a naturally fermented starter, which makes it quite different from regular bread.

  • How to Toast: Due to its thickness and uneven texture, sourdough requires a longer toasting time. Set your toaster to a medium-high setting and consider toasting it twice to get both the interior and exterior crisp. Some toasters may require a second round to achieve the desired level of toastiness.
  1. Multigrain Bread

Multigrain bread features a mix of grains and seeds such as oats, barley, and sunflower seeds, which give it a coarser texture. This makes it more nutritious but also changes the way it toasts.

  • How to Toast: The seeds can cause uneven toasting, so using a medium setting ensures the grains toast evenly without burning the seeds. Keep an eye on the edges, which can brown faster.
  1. Rye Bread

Rye bread is often denser than other types of bread. Its lower gluten content gives it a compact texture, which can take some time to toast.

  • How to Toast: Set your toaster to a medium-high heat. The denser the rye, the longer it will take to toast evenly. Rye bread can sometimes toast unevenly, so flipping it mid-toast can help.
  1. Gluten-Free Bread

Australia has a wide range of gluten-free bread options, catering to those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities. Gluten-free bread is typically made from alternative flours such as rice, almond, or potato flour, and can have a different toasting behaviour.

  • How to Toast: Gluten-free bread can be drier and more brittle, so a low to medium setting is best. If toasted too quickly, it can become overly hard. You may need to toast it a bit longer than regular bread to achieve an even crispness.
  1. Fruit Loaf

Popular in Australia as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, fruit loaf contains raisins, sultanas, or other dried fruits, and often has a slightly sweet, spiced flavour.

  • How to Toast: The sugar in the dried fruits can cause them to burn quickly, so keep your toaster on a lower setting. You want to lightly crisp the bread without overcooking the fruit.

Toasting Tips for Every Bread Type

Regardless of which bread you're toasting, here are a few handy tips to get the best result:

  • Watch the first toast: Different toasters can vary in their heat levels. Always keep an eye on your first slice, especially when trying a new type of bread.
  • Re-toast in small intervals: If your bread isn’t quite crispy enough, resist the urge to crank up the heat. Instead, toast it for an additional 30 seconds to avoid over-toasting.
  • Keep it fresh: Stale bread can be harder to toast evenly, so make sure your bread is fresh or stored properly in the freezer if you're not using it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re toasting a classic slice of white bread or an artisanal sourdough, the key to perfect toast lies in adjusting the toaster settings to suit the bread’s unique characteristics. For the best result, take your time, monitor your toast closely, and experiment until you find the perfect combination of heat and time for your preferred bread type.

Next time you’re ready for toast, you’ll know exactly how to get that perfect, crispy bite. Enjoy!