Piece of toast NYT crossword clue

The clue “Piece of toast” leads to the answer SLICE. A slice refers to a single piece cut from a loaf of bread, which is then typically toasted. So when someone says they’re having a “piece of toast,” they usually mean one slice of bread that has been browned and crisped in a toaster.

This clue is a nice example of how crossword puzzles use everyday language in slightly formalized or literal ways. It might tempt solvers to think about celebratory toasts (like a speech), but the straightforward food-related interpretation wins here. The answer SLICE rewards those who stick to the culinary context.