10 Tasty Meals You Can Make in Your Toaster Oven

Photos via Everyday Good Thinking/Toaster Oven Love/SkinnyMs

What’s one kitchen appliance you’re probably not using enough of? Your toaster oven.

It’s great for toasting your morning bagel, but it can also be used to make so much more, including lunch and dinner. Not only is the toaster oven perfect for meals for one, but it also doesn’t emit as much heat as the oven, making it ideal for hot summer days.

The next time you’re in a pinch for dinner, look no further than these healthy toaster oven recipes.

1. Grilled Cheese with Apple and Havarti
Via Toaster Oven Love

Using the “bake” setting on your toaster oven, you can make this creamy grilled cheese. Besides cheese, the sandwich also contains apples, arugula, and walnuts for some crunch. 

2. Black Bean Flautas
Via Skinny Ms. 

Flautas are like taquitos, but larger. These ones are baked, not fried, for a healthier version. They are also made with whole wheat tortillas and hearty black beans to keep you full.

3. Portobello Pesto Burgers
Via Delish 

These juicy vegetarian burgers are topped with a refreshing carrot slaw, made out of carrots, fennel, and basil. If you don’t like goat cheese, feta or sharp cheddar would be good substitutes.

4. Sweet Potato Toast
Via Asia Bradlee 

There are three ways to top this sweet potato toast: cottage cheese and cherries, egg and avocado, or honey mustard tuna salad. For the best toast possible, be sure to cut the sweet potato thin enough that it can be thoroughly toasted, but also support the toppings.

5. Fish and Chips
Via My Recipes 

Yes, you can even make fish in a toaster oven. This recipe calls for cod and Yukon gold potatoes, although fingerling potatoes would also work well. Cook time for the fish will vary depending on size, but should range from 8-12 minutes.

6. Sheet Pan Pizza
Via Everyday Good Thinking 

This quick pizza recipe uses pre-made pizza dough and only takes about 20 minutes total to make. For extra nutrients, try using whole-wheat pizza dough.

7. Baked Eggs
Via Mountain Mama Cooks 

These little egg cups, made with eggs, marinara, cheese, and capers, are ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try replacing the whipping cream with reduced fat milk or non-dairy milk for a lighter version.

8. Chicken Thighs with Roasted Root Vegetables
Via Hamilton Beach 

Turnips, onions, sweet potatoes, and parsnips accompany these crispy chicken thighs. Serve the meal as is or with a side of brown rice or quinoa.

9. Toaster Oven Tostadas
Via Eating Well

These tostadas are made with beans and cheese for a quick, protein-filled meal. If you want to boost the protein in this recipe, you can add eggs or a meat of your choice, such as chicken or steak.

10. Toaster Oven Quesadilla
Via Toaster Oven Love 

Delicata squash seasoned with cumin, garlic, and oregano make up part of this quesadilla filling. Serve the quesadilla with sliced avocado, salsa, or Greek yogurt or sour cream.