I like to make use of every little thing I have, rather than let it go to waste, and bread is no exception.
I like to use the heels (because my family refuses to eat them!), dry or “day-old” bread, and unused hot dog or hamburger buns to make croutons and bread crumbs.
I got both of these recipes from Real Simple magazine, but have “tweaked” them to make them my own tasty creations.
Croutons
Ingredients
- Heels, buns, or bread, cut into crouton-sized pieces (aka, cut the bread into fourths and then cut out 5 chunks)
- 4 Tbs melted butter (or maybe a smidge more… I like butter!)
- Sprinkle of salt
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp basil
Directions
Heat oven to 375°. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper (trust me on this one!). Mix “croutons” and butter in a large bowl. Sprinkle with herbs and salt and mix well.
Dump onto parchment paper, and bake 15-20 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want them. Allow to cool, and then toss baked croutons in a Ziploc freezer bag (try not to sample too many!).
Bread Crumbs
Ingredients
- Heels, buns, or bread, cut in half or fourths
- Pinch of salt
- Sprinkle of pepper
- Smidge of any other herbs you want in your bread crumbs. I prefer mine plain
Directions
Heat oven to 375°. Place on a cookie sheet (no need for parchment paper this time).
Bake 10-15 minutes. Again, I like mine kinda toasty. Allow to cool and toss into a food processor. DO NOT OVER-FILL. (Trust me! It will fly everywhere!). Throw in the salt, pepper, and/or herbs.
Grind it up until it is super-fine. Store in a Ziploc freezer bag.
Both the croutons and the bread crumbs can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days, or in the freezer for around 3 months.
Linked to Frugal Friday
What are your favorite “reusable” items?
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
love love it good when makeing dressing/stuffing but i have always wondered do they need to kept in the fridge or can you leave them room temperature
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