Creamed chipped beef on toast, often called SOS (an abbreviation for “shit on a shingle”), is a vintage American breakfast dish that deserves a comeback. This savory, protein-packed meal offers a hearty start to the day, but sadly it has faded from the spotlight in recent decades. Let’s explore the origins, preparation, and delightful taste of creamed chipped beef on toast. – this retro recipe is ready for a new generation to discover.
What is Creamed Chipped Beef?
Creamed chipped beef begins with dried, salted beef that has been finely shredded into small pieces or “chips.” This chipped dried beef is combined in a creamy white sauce of flour, milk, and butter. The resulting mixture has a soft, spreadable texture and a rich, meaty flavor. It is typically served hot over slices of toasted bread. The toast absorbs the luscious sauce while providing a pleasant crunch.
A Brief History
Creamed chipped beef has its origins in military cooking. Dried and salted beef was a common ration for soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries as it stored well and provided protein. Army cooks would rehydrate the dried beef shards and mix them with a basic white sauce for added flavor and moisture. It became known as SOS because it was commonly scooped onto slices of toast to stretch the dish. After World War II, SOS migrated from army mess halls into American homes as veterans brought home a taste for the economical, savory dish. It reached peak popularity through the 1950s-60s, before fading out in the following decades as processed foods boomed.
Why Creamed Chipped Beef is Due for a Comeback
This vintage plate deserves a revival for several reasons. First, it’s affordable and convenient. The inexpensive ingredients are easy to keep on hand and come together quickly first thing in the morning. The cream sauce can be made and stored in the fridge, then gently reheated and combined with the chipped beef when ready to serve. It’s also comfort food at its finest. The soft textures and warming flavor provide a sense of nourishment that’s satisfying but not too heavy. As people return to home cooking and classic dishes, creamed chipped beef on toast can offer the best of familiar flavors. Finally, it celebrates old-fashioned ingredients like dried beef, toast, and a simple white sauce made from scratch. Foodies tired of kale smoothies and acai bowls may welcome this hearty, retro breakfast.
