Content Summary

Are you a true bagel lover? Get ready to become a bagel toasting expert!

After this step-by-step guide, you will master how to toast a bagel in a toaster oven with and without a bagel setting, toast frozen bagels and customize different temperature settings for various types of bagels.

How To Toast A Bagel In A Toaster Oven

1. Temperature Settings

The ideal temperature setting for toasting your bagels in a toaster oven is 350°F. This ensures that your bagels are toasted evenly.

If you prefer your bagels a little less toasted, you can decrease the temperature setting to 325°F or increase to 375°F to get a darker toast.
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2. Toaster Ovens With A Bagel Setting

Some toaster ovens such as Breville, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Ninja come with a dedicated “bagel” setting to make your life easier.

Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F.
  2. Choose the appropriate setting - Bagel.
  3. Set the temperature to 350°F.
  4. Place your sliced bagels cut-side up on the rack in the toaster oven.
  5. Press the Bagel button. The toaster oven will automatically adjust the heating elements.
  6. Wait for about 4 minutes until the toaster oven is done toasting.
  7. Make sure to remove the rack and the bagel slices carefully, as they will be hot and may be delicate.

3. Toaster Ovens Without A Bagel Setting

Other toaster ovens such as COSORI, BLACK+DECKER, VAL CUCINE, Hamilton Beach, Galanz, Oster, and others may not have a Bagel setting. You can still get your bagels perfectly toasted in these ovens too.

Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the oven for 5 minutes at 375°F.
  2. Choose the appropriate setting - Toast.
  3. Set the temperature to 375°F.
  4. Place your sliced bagels cut-side up on the rack in the toaster oven.
  5. Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position.
  6. Set the timer for 4 minutes.
  7. Wait for 4 minutes until the toaster oven is done toasting.
  8. Once the bagels are done toasting, remove the rack and the bagels carefully, as they will be hot and may be delicate.

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4. Toasting Frozen Bagels

If you are using frozen bagels, there's no need to defrost them before toasting them in your toaster oven. Just follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the oven for 5 minutes at 425°F.
  2. Take your frozen bagel and wrap it securely in foil.
  3. Place the wrapped bagel in your preheated toaster oven.
  4. Choose the appropriate setting - Toast or Bagel (if available).
  5. Set the temperature to 400°F.
  6. Place the bagels on the toast rack in the toaster oven.
  7. Adjust timer to 7 minutes.
  8. Remove the bagel from the toaster and unwrap the foil.
  9. Return the bagel to the toaster oven for a further 1 minute on the top rack to allow it to toast thoroughly.

Types Of Bagels

The type of bagel you use can also have an effect on how it toasts. Soft and fluffy fresh bagels, stale bagels, and bagels with cinnamon raisin, poppy seed, onion, and garlic.

These may require less time in the oven than denser bagels like everything (with a mix of toppings) and rye or sesame bagels. Also, it makes a difference if a bagel is intact, or cut in slices.

If you are using a denser variety of bagel, you may want to increase your heat settings slightly and keep an eye on the bagel while it is toasting.

1. Plain Bagel

  • For an intact, classic, plain fresh bagel, toast it in a preheated toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • This will create a wonderfully crispy base.
  • You can adjust the toasting time slightly to suit your personal preference.

2. Seeded Bagel

  • If you're toasting a seeded bagel, such as an "everything" or a sesame, you may need a bit more time.
  • Toast it at 350°F (175°C) for around 4 to 5 minutes to ensure the seeds are toasted to perfection without burning.

3. Cream Cheese Bagel

  • If you're adding cream cheese to your bagel, it's best to toast the bagel first for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  • Once that's done, spread the cream cheese onto the warm bagel and place it back in the oven for an additional 2 minutes.
  • This will help melt and integrate all of the flavors together.

4. Garlic Bagel

  • Garlic bagels are delicious and easy to make.
  • Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the garlic bagel on a baking sheet.
  • Toast for 8 minutes, or until it's golden brown - then serve with butter or cream cheese.

5. Flavored Bagel

  • Flavored bagels, such as cinnamon raisin or blueberry, offer a delicate and moist texture compared to plain ones.
  • To achieve a perfectly light toast without going overboard, toast them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
  • This method preserves their softness while creating a subtly toasted exterior.

6. New York-style Bagel

For a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a chewy texture, toast a New York-style bagel for about 4 to 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

7. Gluten-free Bagel

  • It's important to note that gluten-free bagels may react differently when toasted due to their unique composition.
  • To prevent them from becoming dry, toast them for around 2 to 3 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
  • This will give them a pleasant toast while maintaining their moisture.

Bagels are the perfect breakfast food that can be enjoyed any time of day. A perfectly toasted bagel is crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and tastes amazing with your favorite spread. Even yesterday's stale bagel will taste great after toasting.

The best part is that you don't need a fancy kitchen or professional appliance to achieve the perfect toast. With a simple toaster oven, you can get your bagels crispy and golden brown in no time.

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Toasting Bagels In Toaster Ovens FAQs

What is bagel setting on toaster oven?

The bagel setting is a dedicated setting on toaster ovens that ensures your bagels come out perfectly golden and crisp. 

It allows you to set the temperature and heat intensity for optimal bagel toasting results without worrying about overcooking or burning them. This setting is perfect for those who like their bagels just right every time!

Do toaster ovens toast as fast as toasters?

Not usually. Toaster ovens take a bit more time to toast food than regular toasters because they are larger and have more interior space. 

Toasting times will vary depending on the type of bagel you're using and the temperature settings. However, this extra time is well worth it as it allows for more even, consistent toasting results!

Do you have to flip toast in a toaster oven?

On a wire rack, with both heating elements on, no.

On a baking tray, yes. Then, items are toasted on one side only — no need to flip them. 

However, if you're toasting something thicker, like a bagel or muffin top, your best bet is to flip it halfway through cooking time so that both sides get an equal amount of heat and time.

Do you put butter on both sides of toast?

No, you only need to put butter on one side of the toast. If you're adding toppings like jelly or jam, you can add them to both sides if desired. But for plain toast, just a light spread of butter is all it takes!

Is it better to butter bread before or after toasting?

It's best to butter your bread after it has been toasted. This allows the butter to melt into the hot toast more easily, giving you a delicious, buttery flavor and extra crunch.

What temperature should I toast a bagel in a toaster oven?

The temperature you should toast a bagel in a toaster oven depends on the type of bagel you are using. 

Plain bagels can be toasted for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C), while denser varieties like rye or sesame may require an increased heat setting and longer toasting time. 

Be sure to keep an eye on the bagel while toasting and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Can you use aluminum foil in toaster oven?

You can safely use aluminum foil in a toaster oven. However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so — some models may not be suited for aluminum foil use. 

  • Additionally, avoid covering any of the heating elements with foil as this could risk damaging your toaster oven. 
  • When using aluminum foil in a toaster oven it’s best to keep the foil on top of food items. Don't cover the whole baking tray.

Should I line my toaster oven tray with aluminum foil?

Lining your toaster oven tray with aluminum foil is not recommended — it can block vital air flow which could prevent even heating inside of your toaster oven. 

  • For best results, avoid lining your tray with aluminum foil in order to ensure that your food cooks evenly. 
  • Additionally, keep in mind that aluminum foil could also prevent a proper cleaning of the tray depending on the type of food you are cooking.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Always start with preheating the oven for 5 minutes depending on whether you have a bagel setting or not.
  2. The temperature you choose to toast your bagels can affect the final result. If you want a crispy and golden brown bagel, set the temperature higher. If you prefer a chewy bagel with a light toast, set the temperature lower.
  3. A good starting point is 350°F, but feel free to experiment with different temperatures to find what works best for you. For a darker toast, increase the temperature setting by 25°F or keep in the oven for a few extra minutes after the timer goes off.
  4. Make sure to place your cut bagel halves cut-side up on the rack.
  5. Keep an eye on the timer and remove your bagels immediately when done to avoid them getting too toasty.
  6. Make sure the toaster oven is clean, and the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even toasting.
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How to toast bagels in a toaster oven is simple and easy. Experiment with different toasting times to find your perfect toast.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A toaster oven is a great alternative to a traditional toaster or a traditional oven, so you can play with different bagel's toppings. Pick one today!

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Keep this guide handy and become a pro at toasting your bagels. With these steps, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy, and golden-brown bagel at home anytime.

Happy toasting!

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