If you buy toast in a whole or half loaf that’s unsliced, you’ll need to slice it yourself. If you have a dedicated bread knife at home, this task is easy. But if you don’t have a bread knife and only have a regular kitchen knife, how can you quickly slice toast smoothly?

Tips for Slicing Toast Smoothly with a Kitchen Knife

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the knife in approximately 50°C (140°F) hot water. Pour the 50°C (140°F) hot water directly over the knife. Once the hot water runs into the large bowl below, you can reuse it. After heating, wipe the knife dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Lay the toast horizontally on a cutting board, side up. Slicing from the side is easier than from the front.

Step 3: Visually estimate how many slices you want to make, then begin slicing. Ensure the knife cuts straight, not tilted. Support the toast with your non-knife-holding hand to keep it in place.

Another important point to note when slicing is that you should avoid pressing the knife down hard or slicing the toast by sliding the knife back and forth in small movements.

Doing so can damage the toast and result in an uneven cut. The correct way to cut the toast is to slide the knife back and forth in large, sweeping motions. Once you’re done, you’re ready to enjoy.

Why heat the knife with hot water?

Preheating the knife in 50°C hot water before cutting the toast will allow the heat from the blade to slightly melt the fat in the toast. This allows the blade to slice the toast more smoothly.

This method doesn’t work with freshly baked toast, as it’s too soft to cut. This is why many bakeries often sell freshly baked toast as a whole loaf instead of slices.