You only need a toaster oven to make these 25 awesome recipes (2024)

We’d all choose to be expert chefs if this were a perfect world, but the truth is many of us don’t have the skills, the fancy equipment, or, most importantly, the time. It would be great to prepare meals in a 48-inch Dacor Renaissancelocated in a state-of-the-art kitchen with all the time in the world, but some of us are working with a barely-working toaster oven that sits on the floor, just like we do when we use it in during TV commercial breaks.

But fear not, as there are tips, tricks, and hacks to make the most out of any culinary conundrum. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all. So whether you want your meals quicker, cheaper, or with less labor, here are 25 foods you didn’t know you can make in your toaster oven – with recipes!

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Have you been burned by bacon grease one too many times? Or maybe you just don’t want to spend your precious morning minutes hovering over a stove? Either way, baking your bacon in the toaster oven isn’t just a game-changer, it’s alife-changer! Just followthese baking instructions from BlogHer, but use your toaster oven instead.

Mountain Mama Cooks

Baked eggs can just as easily be made in a toaster oven, and it only takes 10-15 minutes! Season your eggs however you wish, but for a unique spin on a classic meal, trythese baked eggs with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, courtesy of Mountain Mama Cooks. Just make sure you have some ramekins on hand.

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Hamilton Beach

Bruschetta is basically fancy little toast, so why fool around with a giant oven? Bake your bruschetta bits in a toaster oven and in just five shorts minutes you’ll have a quick spin on this classic Italian appetizer.This recipe from Hamilton Beach is simple yet satisfying.

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Don’t worry about fussing with a stove for this one; in fact, the best way to avoid mushy sprouts is to skip the pan and take to the toaster oven instead. After a short prep, simply pop them into your toaster oven for about 20 minutes and you’ll have perfectly prepared sprouts.Toaster Oven Love would love to share the recipe with you right here.

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Want to eat chicken tenders like an adult and also don’t have a deep-frier? We’ve got you covered. These herb-roasted chicken tenders are healthier than fast food fingers and are full of flavor. Once your toasted oven reaches 450 degrees, you’re only 8 to 10 minutes away from eating.The Today Show has the details here.

Toaster Oven Love

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Toaster Oven Love

Your morning just got a whole lot sweeter! With the right pan (a donut pan, of course), you can bake hot and fresh donuts in just 10 short minutes. Almost any donut recipe will do, but if you’re anything like us, you won’t be able to pass upthese raspberry coconut donuts from Toaster Oven Love. If you need any more convincing (and you absolutely shouldn’t), just know that they’re made withfreshraspberries.

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Not only isthis Greek frittata recipe from My Recipeshealthy (it’s packed with eggs, spinach, tomatoes, and feta), it only takes 30 minutes or less to cook. Throw it in your toaster oven when you wake up and you’ll have a tasty breakfast ready by the time you finally get dressed for the day.

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Believe it or not, you can make hard-boiled eggs in your toaster oven! Throw three to five of them directly on the rack (well, don’t actually throw them; that would require a massive cleanup), heat them for a half-hour on 350 degrees, and then into the ice bath, they go. Then just peel and eat!

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Most people know that kale is jam-packed with antioxidants while also boasting heaping helpings of fiber, calcium, and iron. Most people also know that kale chips are one of the only pleasant ways to consumer this superfood, thanks to assists by our friends garlic, salt, and pepper. What many home chefs don’t realize, however, is that kale chips can easily be made in small batches in the toaster oven.Tip of the cap to Healthy Cents for this recipe.

Food Fanatic

Pancakes are a great breakfast when entertaining guests... unless you’re the goober who has to stand over the griddle all morning. Cast away the cast-iron skillet and substitute an 8-inch by 8-inch metal baking pan, and then swap the stove for a toaster oven and you’re on your way. Don’t worry, you’ll still get the soft-in-the-center, golden-edged cakes that dreams are made of - just without the hassle. How do lemon blackberry pancakes sound?Our friends at Food Fanatic will help you with your mission, should you choose to accept it.

The Kitchn

Sure, you could buy chips in a bag, but this version is fresher and healthier, and all you need is a toaster oven.The Kitchn has the rundown herefor pita chips made with za’atar, a seasoning blend that’s sure to become one of your close friends after trying this recipe. Plus, they’ll also help you make a tasty no-bake yogurt concoction for dipping.

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Loveour kebab article? Now you can bring skewered snacks to your toaster oven withthis My Recipes recipe for mouthwatering Moroccan pork kebabsfeaturing pork, onion, eggplant, and cucumber - all seasoned to perfection. It’ll take a little prep work and about 45 minutes of cooking time, but at least you won’t have to wait for your conventional oven to preheat. Feel free to customize these babies with your favorite veggies!

Delish

Preparing a portobello burger in the toaster oven is as easy as heating and eating, but we think you’ll enjoythese portobello pesto burgers from Delisha bit more than a plainer version. The other ingredients needed are tomato, sun-dried tomato pesto, basil, and goat cheese, and each of the burgers is topped with an easy-to-make carrot-fennel slaw. Don’t forget to toast the buns!

The Kitchn

Say nuts to plain ol’ nuts in your next snacking situation. Instead, roast your cashews in the toaster oven while adding some extra flavor.This article from The Kitchnwill tell you how to make both brown butter sage cashews and cocoa-dusted cashews, perfect for an appetizer, a dessert, or anytime you’re hungry and need some protein-packed power!

J. Kenji Lopez-Alt/Serious Eats

Salmon is a versatile food, and that description isn’t limited to its ability to be used in a variety of dishes. Salmon can also be prepared in a number of ways, including in the toaster oven, which only takes five minutes! Check outthis delicious recipe for miso-glazed salmon from Serious Eatsfor the lowdown. Obviously, it’s beneficial if you have a longer time to marinate the salmon, but if you have a lot of people to impress and very little time to spare, this can still be your go-to dish.

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Salmon isn’t the only fish that’s welcome in the toaster oven.This healthy dish from Weight Watcherscombines sole and asparagus (also toaster-oven-friendly) with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chives, lemon, and a bit of mayo for a dynamic dinner on the fly. After a short preheat, you’ll only need about 15 minutes to prepare your meal, but it’ll taste like you put all your heart and sole into it. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

Betty Crocker

Stuffed peppers are a great summer snack or entree, but who wants to turn on the oven when the entire outside world is basically a giant furnace? Instead, just flip on your toaster oven and bake these bad boys for 20-25 minutes while you stay cool. (May we suggest a frozen umbrella drink in the meantime?) Our buddyBetty Crocker has the recipe here.

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No matter how you slice it (no pun intended), sweet potatoes are going to need about 45 minutes to cook in the oven. With preheating time, it’ll be well over an hour before you can tuck into these tasty tubers. Save yourself some waiting by sliding the sweet potatoes into the toaster oven instead.Nom Nom Paleo has the detailsand a solid suggestion of subbing coconut oil in place of traditional vegetable oil.

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Think you can’t make one of India’s most popular dishes? Think again. Forget the tandoor oven and extended cooking time, because all you need is a toaster oven and about 10 minutes.This recipe from Your Healthy Hedonistahas the ingredients and instructions to get you going. As a bonus, the recipe will also help you prepare a salad with homemade dressing.

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Want to make chicken quesadillas sans pans? (No, Spellcheck, I don’t mean “sans pants.” Not this time, at least.)Delish has the recipe right here. These quesadillas can be made in the toaster oven in only 8-10 minutes, and contain jalapenos, green onions, salsa verde, and skinless rotisserie chicken. Feel free to nix the meat if you want to go the vegetarian route. Or nix the veggies if you’re feeling especially carnivorous.

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Sure, you could make regular pizza in your toaster oven, but if you want something lighter (and you also happen to be light on time), try a tortilla pizza.Hot Sauce Daily has some helpful tips and tricks hereto get you cooking. No matter what toppings you use, it’ll be extra easy – even if your pizza is extra cheesy!

Sargento

Skip the skillet and instead toss your tuna melt into the toaster oven for a hassle-free lunch anytime. You’ll get perfectly toasted bread without waiting all day for your oven to preheat. After all, it only takes two or three minutes to toast the bread and cheese, so why waste any time? For a unique spin on the classic meal,try this modern tuna melt recipe from the folks at Sargento.