Toast pies are a quick and delicious snack or meal option made by filling slices of bread with savory or sweet ingredients, folding them, and cooking until golden and crispy, offering a convenient twist on traditional pies using simple kitchen staples. The history of toast pies likely evolved from the practice of using bread as an edible container or base for fillings, a practical and resourceful approach to making handheld meals popularized in various cultures and adapted in modern recipes to suit busy lifestyles and casual dining. The ingredients breakdown typically includes slices of bread, a filling such as cooked meat, cheese, vegetables, or sweet spreads, along with butter or oil for frying or toasting, and optional seasonings or herbs to enhance flavor. The step-by-step recipe involves preparing the filling, placing it between two slices of bread, sealing the edges by pressing firmly (sometimes with a fork), then cooking the pie in a frying pan, sandwich press, or oven until the bread is toasted to a crisp golden brown and the filling is heated through. Tips for the perfect toast pie include ensuring the bread slices are of even thickness for uniform cooking, not overfilling to prevent leakage, sealing edges well to hold the filling securely, and using moderate heat to achieve a crispy crust without burning. Variations and customizations are endless, ranging from classic combinations like ham and cheese or tomato and mozzarella to adventurous fillings such as spiced vegetables, curried meats, or sweet options like Nutella and banana, allowing creativity to shine while catering to dietary preferences. Health considerations and nutritional value depend largely on the choice of fillings and cooking methods, with toast pies offering a relatively simple and potentially lower-fat alternative to traditional pies if baked or lightly fried, though richer fillings or excessive butter may increase calories and fat content, so moderation is key. Frequently asked questions often address how to prevent soggy bread, the best fillings for meltability, storage tips for leftovers, and reheating methods to maintain crispness, making toast pies a versatile, quick, and satisfying treat suitable for any time of day.
Toast Pies
Ingredients
- 6 slices of white bread
- 2 green apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 50 g sugar adjust to taste
- 15 g unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water slurry
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice the green apples, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a pan over low heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples along with the sugar. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved, then continue to cook for 3–5 minutes until the apples become tender. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir well until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices and gently flatten each slice using a rolling pin. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each slice. Lightly brush the edges with egg wash, then fold the bread over to enclose the filling. Press the edges together firmly and seal them using a fork. Arrange the apple toast pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash—alternatively, if you forget this step, you can apply the egg wash about 10 minutes into baking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for around 12 minutes or until the toast pies are golden and crisp. These are best enjoyed warm.