Bread that’s gone beyond its best-by is often overlooked because we all know bread is much more delicious when fresh and fluffy! But if your household is anything like ours…. there are quite often times when the last few pieces of a loaf are no longer sandwich-friendly. Disposing of them though would be such a waste.
Here are some quick reminders and tips for using the last of a loaf… so as never to waste a crumb!
There are actually a number of uses for stale bread and even recipes specifically calling for bread that’s a bit beyond it. Even if you keep it in the freezer until needed, here are 5 ideas for making use of every morsel!
Croutons
Great in salads and soups, croutons are simple to make by cubing stale bread and baking the pieces on a tray in the oven until dry and crispy. Croutons can be seasoned with herbed salt, garlic or lightly brushed with flavoured oil before the drying process and the can be stored in an air-tight container for a couple of days.
Stuffing
Forget pre-made stuffing mixes as with a few slices of bread it’s simple and wholesome to prepare your own. Mulch together stale bread, an egg, fresh herbs and even dried fruit pieces to use when baking a chicken or turkey.
Egg Toast
A simple, yet delicious, Sunday breakfast just requires beating a couple of eggs with a little milk before soaking a few slices of stale bread in the mixture and then frying. Butter, not margarine or oil, in the fry pan tastes better too, trust me. This is a fuss-free recipe to tempt any little reluctant egg eaters you may have at your place.
Bread and Butter Pudding
This is a traditional English sweets dish enjoyed by many, particular in cooler weather. There are a number of variations on ingredients and method, so a quick Google will undoubtedly lead you to a recipe of your preference.
Breadcrumbs
Supermarket packaged breadcrumbs are a convenient pantry item but making your own is so much better for you, and super simple! Just slowly dry out your pieces of stale bread in a not-too-hot oven, let them cool and then crush with a rolling pin or blitz in a food processor. Keep stored in an airtight container. Too easy!
Well, that is quite simple really!
You’ll never feel the need to toss out a slice of stale bread again. Do you have any favourite recipes which call specifically for stale bread? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
What should you do now?
- Keep a bag in the freezer and add older slices of bread to use when needed for any of the above ideas.
- And then remember there are many uses for bread which appears to be beyond its best.
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Killarney Vale Bakery now.
Quote
Better dry bread in peacetime than meat in wartime.
~ Hungarian Proverb
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