how to toast bread without a toaster

Call me stubborn—many people have—but I refuse to own a toaster. Sure, people love them: toasters are great for making toast, crisping frozen waffles, even reheating pancakes. But I just don't think you need one, so why clutter precious counter space? Because the thing is, it's totally easy to toast bread without a toaster.

Image may contain: Cutlery, Fork, Food, Bread, French Toast, Toast, and Breakfast

When I want toast, I make it the easiest way possible: the skillet method. I simply heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, and toast the bread directly in the pan. Just put the bread directly on the hot pan—I use a non-stick pan, so no butter or oil needed, but a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet would be great here too—and let it crisp and brown, 1-2 minutes per side. It's great for getting pita, sandwich bread, and even baguettes nice and toasty. For several pieces of toast—say for a brunch crew—I turn on the oven and toast it on a sheet tray.

If you like to eat a lot of toast, you might find the skillet method a little tiresome. I still say no way to a traditional toaster, but instead would suggest investing in something small and easily storable, like the Argentinian answer to the toaster—a stovetop grill made for toasting bread. You simply place the metal plate over a flame on the stove, and put the bread on the grates on top. As it heats up, grill marks will appear on the bread and it will toast. The pan is also good for reheating leftovers, like pizza or roasted vegetables.

Skip the bulky counter top toaster and use a Argentinian stovetop toaster.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

Despite my aversions to the toaster, I was actually given a toaster once as a housewarming gift, and I left it in the packaging for months. It sat in its box, staring at me, prodding me, until I finally opened it one day. But when I wanted toast, you know what I did? I heated a skillet and I toasted the bread in there. Since then, I've moved, and the toaster was left behind. But I still have my skillet, and I'm still making toast all the time.