Some recipes just take you back to warm, comforting memories, and Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is one of them. This classic dish, often lovingly called “S.O.S.” by those who grew up with it, is the perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness served over crispy, buttery toast. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
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Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast, a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving some old-fashioned comfort food, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute meals.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Classic Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying—this dish has stood the test of time for a reason.
Customizable: Add spices, cheese, or even vegetables to make it your own.
Perfect Any Time of Day: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—there’s no wrong time for this dish!
Ingredients in Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
This dish is made with just a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a key role in creating that rich, creamy texture.
Dried Chipped Beef: The star of the dish! Salty, slightly smoky, and full of flavor. If you can’t find chipped beef, you can substitute with thinly sliced deli beef or even cooked ham.
Butter: Helps create a smooth, velvety roux that thickens the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cream sauce and give it a rich, hearty consistency.
Milk: The base of the creamy sauce. Whole milk works best for a rich texture, but you can also use half-and-half for an extra indulgent version.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Toast: The perfect crispy base to soak up all that creamy goodness. Use thick-cut bread for the best texture!
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Let’s dive into the steps to make this classic dish:
Prepare the Chipped Beef: Rinse the dried beef under cold water to remove some of the excess salt, then pat dry and slice into thin strips.
Make the Roux: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Stir in the Beef: Add the sliced chipped beef and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Season to Taste: Add black pepper and any additional seasonings you like. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Toast the Bread: While the sauce is simmering, toast your bread until golden brown and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy chipped beef mixture over the toast and dig in while it’s warm and comforting!
How to Serve Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
This dish is delicious as-is, but here are a few ways to enhance your meal:
Over Biscuits: Swap out the toast for buttery biscuits for an extra indulgent version.
With Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top for a richer flavor.
With a Side of Vegetables: Pair it with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Additional Tips
Lighten It Up: Use low-fat milk and swap butter for olive oil to make a lighter version.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and serve over gluten-free toast.
Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and reheat leftovers throughout the week.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and stir in a little milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Q2: Can I freeze creamed chipped beef?
A2: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Q3: What kind of bread is best for serving?
A3: Thick-cut white or sourdough bread works best, but you can use any sturdy bread you like.
Q4: How do I make this dish less salty?
A4: Rinsing the chipped beef under cold water before cooking helps remove excess salt. You can also soak it in warm water for a few minutes if it’s still too salty.
Q5: Can I add other seasonings?
A5: Absolutely! Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of nutmeg can add depth to the sauce.
Q6: Can I use fresh beef instead of chipped beef?
A6: Yes! Thinly sliced roast beef or deli-style beef can be used as a substitute.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and unsweetened almond or oat milk for the sauce.
Q9: Is this dish traditionally served for breakfast or dinner?
A9: Both! It’s commonly enjoyed as a breakfast dish, but it’s hearty enough for a comforting dinner as well.
Q10: What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
A10: A simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables make great side options.
Final Thoughts
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this rich, creamy dish is pure comfort food at its best.
Print
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Description
: A classic comfort food with creamy, savory dried beef in a rich white gravy, served over crispy toast. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack—ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk
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4 (2.5 oz) jars dried beef, chopped
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1 tsp fresh black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Toasted bread (white, sourdough, or rye)
Instructions
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Melt butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
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Make roux: Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (until bubbly).
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Add milk: Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly. Simmer 5 mins until thickened.
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Finish: Stir in beef and pepper. Heat 2 more mins. Adjust salt if needed (beef is salty!).
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Serve: Ladle over toasted bread.
Notes
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Soak beef (optional): Rinse dried beef in water to reduce saltiness.
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Thickness: For a thinner gravy, add more milk.
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Upgrade: Top with a fried egg or hot sauce!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g