How Do You Keep Toast Crispy?

There's nothing like a nice crispy piece of toast, straight out of the toaster! But what if you're making toast for a crowd - how will you keep it crispy for everyone until it's time to eat? Or what if you want to use it for a toasted sandwich you'll be eating later?

Here's how to keep that tasty slice of toast as crispy as can be!

Keep the Toast Warm

Now, this option isn't for toast you'll be packing to eat later - this is for toast that you want to stay crispy until the rest of the meal is ready and it's time for everyone to eat!

The easiest option is to put the oven on low, and place your toast inside. Put it on a rack so that the air can circulate all around it, letting it 'breathe'. This will prevent any moisture from forming underneath it, which will make it go soggy.

This method really does dry out the toast - whilst it keeps it crispy, it may also make it become a little brittle or hard if it's left in there for too long. So try to not make your toast too far in advance of when you want to eat it.

When you're ready to serve your toast, use a toast rack instead of putting it on to a plate. The side of the toast touching the plate will 'sweat', producing moisture that will soften the bread.

Another option is to simply pop it back into the toaster for a few seconds before serving - it should crisp right back up!

How to Keep Toast Crispy Once It Has Cooled Down

So... you like taking a toasted sandwich to work for lunch. But by the time you're ready to eat it, the toast is soggy and unappetizing. What can you do?

Moisture is the enemy of crispy toast, so your aim is to eliminate it as much as possible. Here are some things to try:

• Toast the bread until it's at least medium brown in color. Any lighter and it is less likely to stay crispy. Then let it sit in the toaster for a few minutes to really dry it out.

• Don't lie the toast flat as you wait for it to cool. Cool it COMPLETELY on a rack.

• Wrap the toast in a piece of paper towel before putting it in a plastic bag.

• Don't put 'wet' ingredients (like a slice of fresh tomato) inside your sandwich. The toast will absorb the liquid. You may even prefer to pack the ingredients separately, then assemble your sandwich later.

• Another option is to try baking your slice of bread instead of toasting it, which dries it out more thoroughly. OK, so technically it won't be 'toast', but it WILL be nice and crispy.

Hey presto - crispy toast for lunch, just the way you like it!