what is a toast
For other uses, see Toast (disambiguation) . Toast is a slice of bread that has been browned by exposure to radiant heat. This browning is the result of a Maillard reaction, altering the flavor of the bread as well as making it firmer so that it is easier to spread toppings on it. Toasting is a common method of making stale bread more palatable. Bread is often toasted using a toaster, an electrical appliance with heating elements. Toaster ovens are also used for toasting bread. Toast is commonly eaten with butter or margarine and sweetened toppings such as jam or jelly.