Toaster ovens do not take up much counter space, but you will need to measure your countertop to decide which size is best for you. You also have the option of installing the under cabinet model, which leaves all of your counter space free for other uses.
Toaster ovens have safety features such as the auto shutoff or a timer that stops the cooking process when the food is cooked. This is not only a safety feature but a convenience.
You can purchase toaster ovens with a variety of features that include the non stick interior or the self-cleaning option. Some have removable rack, and most toaster ovens have the removable crumb tray. Look for the ones that just slide out as you pull from the front.
There is also a number of cooking features to choose from. Some ovens are most appropriate for toasting bread and making crispy sandwiches or cooking those individual prepackaged meals. The other options include the convection oven which uses a fan to circulate the heated air around the food for more even cooking. Some ovens are designed to broil better. This involves different heat settings for the upper heating element.
Some toaster ovens serve a dual purpose with slots on the top to toast make your morning toast just like a traditional toaster. The oven compartments of these models are compact and are most appropriate for reheating food and for cooking frozen pizza or making crisp French fries. They will have some benefit to heat or toast a sandwich. There are many models that are equipped to do all of these things including cooking a roast or casserole, or baking a pie.
Your choice of a toaster oven may depend on how many people are in your family. If you are single and not into cooking, the toaster oven is the perfect thing to have on your kitchen counter, as it allows you cook and go. Whether you are going out or just going to the living room to watch TV. If you have a family of three or four you will want to look at the toaster ovens with all of the options including the size of the oven. There is a toaster oven to fit every household.
Here is a delicious casserole that will feed a family of four or provide leftovers for the single person.
Chili Casserole
1 (6 oz.) box chicken flavor stuffing mix (with separate
seasoning packet inside)
1/2 C. hot water
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 sm. onion, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can chili with beans
1 1/2 C. (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 C. thawed frozen sweet corn
1/4 C. sliced black olives
Sour cream for garnish (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a prepared 2-qt. casserole, combine the stuffing mix, stuffing seasoning packet and water. Press evenly into the bottom of the casserole; set aside.
In a lrg. skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over med.-high heat. Remove from heat. Stir in the chile, 1 C. of the cheese, the corn and olives. Spoon over the stuffing in the casserole. Bake for 25 min. or until heated through.
Serve topped with the remaining 1/2 C. cheese and dollops of sour cream, if desired.
Makes approximately 4 servings.
Thank you for visiting us. We have a large selection of toaster ovens for all your cooking needs. If you have any questions or suggestions for toaster oven recipes, let us know.
