Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS)
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, often humorously nicknamed 'SOS' (Shit on a Shingle), is a classic American comfort food featuring thinly sliced, dried beef in a creamy white sauce served over toasted bread. Its typical ingredients include dried beef (or chipped beef), butter, flour, milk, and black pepper, creating a rich, savory topping for simple toast. The dish is deeply rooted in American home cooking and military history, particularly as a staple in U.S. Army mess halls during the 20th century.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the beef and fat from the creamy sauce, with moderate carbs from the toast. A typical serving provides a good amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef, along with calcium from the milk, and generally ranges from 400 to 600 calories depending on portion size and recipe variations.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish's military nickname 'SOS' reflects its reputation as a hearty, no-frills meal that fueled soldiers, making it a symbol of practical, filling sustenance. Nutritionally, it's a concentrated source of protein and minerals, but its high sodium content from the cured beef makes it a dish best enjoyed in moderation.
