When you order bread from Waangoo, you know that you get good quality and fresh bread, every time. However, there is always the possibility that those last few slices, just get left, and then eventually, they end up in the trash bin. We believe in the philosophy of not wasting anything and when we see something like those sad leftover slices of bread, we actually see methods by which, they can be used efficiently and effectively!
Here are some interesting uses for leftover bread
There are some easy ways to use those last few slices of bread and these are actually really good ways to store them for later use:
- Cut up the bread into small cubes and then toast them in some olive oil to created home bade croutons that you can use in soups and salads. If you want to jazz the croutons up, you can add some minced garlic, herbs and spices in the same oil.
- Whether you are planning to make fried chicken at home or simple cutlets, you will need some bread crumbs and if you have leftover bread, then you can turn them into crumbs at home. Break up the bread into medium sized pieces and pulse in a food processor till finely ground. You can lightly toast the crumbs, before storing in an air-tight container or use as is immediately.
- Bread can also be used to thicken soups and stews – all you need to do is blitz bread into a fine crumb like texture and add to the soup or stew, gradually, till the time the required consistency is achieved.
10 easy and interesting leftover bread recipes for you to try
Now, in case you thought that things to do with leftover bread were restricted to bread crumbs and croutons, think again! There are so many recipes that you can make with bread and most of them can be made in a jiffy. As long as you have your pantry stocked with all the basic grocery, you will be able to make these recipes and give your family some tasty treats!
- French toast – This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to use bread slices and makes for a quick breakfast as well as a decadent dessert. Prepare a mixture of beaten eggs, some milk and vanilla extract and dunk the bread slices in the mix. Now, toast these bread slices on a hot griddle with some butter. Pour some honey and its perfect breakfast and serve it up with some ice cream and it’s a luscious dessert.
- Bread pizza – When you are craving pizza, but don’t want to order, why not use the leftover few pieces of bread to make some pizza at home? Just use the bread as the base and do everything else just the way you would for a normal pizza – a layer of pizza sauce, topping and plenty of cheese and then just bake till the cheese is melted and bubbly! This also makes for a really good lunchbox snack.
- Bread pakora – A popular Indian street snack, bread pakora comes out best, when made with a day old bread. Prepare a potato filling with boiled potato, salt, Indian spices, such as cumin, chat masala, chopped onions, green chillies and coriander leaves. Layer the filling inside two slices of bread, like you would for a sandwich. Dunk the stuffed bread in a bhaji batter (which is basically chickpea flour, rice flour, salt, asafoetida, red chilli powder and water) and deep fry till golden brown.
- Scrambled bread – If you thought that scrambling was meant only for eggs, think again, because you can do it with bread too! Sauté some onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices until golden brown and crispy and then add finely shredded bread and beaten eggs. Once the eggs are ready, finish with plenty of chopped coriander leaves.
- Bread poha – Yet another popular Indian breakfast dish, the beaten or flattened rice or poha can be easily replaced with bread, making this one of the wonderful ways to use bread. In some oil, temper mustard seeds, curry leaves and some urad dal. Sauté some chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies and mashed potatoes. Season with the regular Indian spices such as turmeric, chilli powder and amchur and then add the shredded bread.
- Panzanella salad - Make the most of leftover bread by using it in a classic Italian panzanella salad. All you need to do is ube the bread and toast it in some olive oil or butter until crisp. Toss the bread with some chopped ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and basil. You can top it with a simple salad dressing or a vinaigrette. This refreshing dish is quick, simple and works a treat at times when you don’t really want to cook.
- Bread dumplings – Did you know that you could even make dumplings with leftover bread? Make a dough using eggs, milk, flour, seasonings and shredded bread and then form balls using this dough. You can drop these balls into simmering broth or soup and enjoy a delicious dinner!
- Bread roll – When you are looking at leftover bread recipes, snacks will top the list and bread rolls have to be right up there! Prepare a mix with boiled and mashed potatoes, green peas and some basic Indian spices such as chilli powder, garam masala and dry mango powder. Roll out the bread slice using a rolling pin and place a small amount of the potato filling within, before sealing it all up and deep frying till golden brown and crunchy!
- Bread pudding – Bread, even those leftover slices can be converted into delicious desserts and bread pudding has to be a crowd favourite! Tear the bread into chunks and soak it in a custard mixture that is made using eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Bake until set and golden brown and when you are ready to serve, pick between a drizzle of caramel sauce or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Bread halwa – And in case you want to go the Indian dessert way, try bread halwa. Tear the bread into small pieces and sauté in pure ghee until golden brown and crispy. Now, you need to add some thick milk, sugar, and some cardamom powder and continue to cook, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm for a delicious dessert that's will surely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Now that you know how to use leftover bread in so many creative ways, time to stock up on bread from your favourite online grocery shopping destination!