Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›The Den›Toast Recipe

Toast Recipe

Inspired by The Den
Time15m
Serves2

Make Toast Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Toast Base

Optional Toppings (choose any)

Method

Toast Base

  1. 1

    Prepare bread and heat

    Take 4 slices of your chosen bread and let them sit at room temperature if refrigerated (5–10 minutes). Preheat a toaster, oven broiler, or skillet: toaster on medium setting; oven to broil on high with rack 4–6 inches from heat; or heavy skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Butter and oil (optional step for pan-toast)

    If using a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil in the pan until foaming. This prevents butter from burning and creates an evenly browned surface.

  3. 3

    Toast the bread

    Toaster: place slices in toaster and toast on medium until golden and edges are crisp (about 2–3 minutes, depends on toaster). Oven broiler: place slices on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes per side, watching closely until golden. Skillet: place slices in the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp. Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Finish with butter

    While toast is hot, spread remaining butter (reserve about 1 tablespoon if you used butter for the skillet) over one side of each slice so it melts into the surface. If you used butter in the pan, you can still brush or spread a thin layer for extra richness.

Optional Toppings

  1. 5

    Simple salted pepper

    Sprinkle about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over buttered toast to taste. Serve immediately.

  2. 6

    Jam or marmalade

    Spread 1 tablespoon jam or marmalade over each slice while toast is warm so the jam relaxes and becomes slightly glossy. Serve.

  3. 7

    Avocado toast

    Halve and pit the ripe avocado, scoop flesh into a bowl and mash with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly over two slices of toast (about half the mashed avocado per slice). Sprinkle red pepper flakes (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) and additional black pepper to taste. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil if desired.

  4. 8

    Cream cheese and honey

    Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on each of two slices. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon honey over each slice or to taste. Optionally add a pinch of sea salt for contrast.

  5. 9

    Garlic-rubbed toast

    Peel a garlic clove and cut it in half. While toast is very hot, rub the cut side of the garlic lightly over the surface of each slice so a subtle garlic aroma transfers. Drizzle a scant 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over each slice and season with a pinch of salt.

More from The Den