Recipes to fight food waste : cooking with leftover bread
We often find ourselves with a lot of stale bread to use up. The first thing most people think of making is French toast. That childhood favourite is definitely a winner. But there are plenty of delicious ways to use the end of your loaves. The Fedipat team has pulled together three recipes for your guests or clients, to make either at home or in your points of sale.
Breadcrumbs
Turn your stale bread into breadcrumbs for an excellent zero waste option that’s both healthy and long-lasting. Use the breadcrumbs to make gratins, crumb or batter meat, fish, even vegetables and cheese and cook until golden and crispy. Bringing extra texture and body, breadcrumbs help you create dishes loved by young and old alike.
How to make breadcrumbs
Slowly dry out the bread in a low oven. This will remove any moisture so it doesn’t go mouldy. Turn the oven to 80-100°C. Bake the slices of bread for 30 mins. Set aside to cool before blending. Stored in an airtight jar away from the light, your breadcrumbs will last for up to three months!
Or for an even taster crumb, why not add herbs, some Espelette pepper or hot paprika? That will really take it to the next level.
Croutons
Stale bread makes great croutons! Sprinkle on chilled or hot soups for added crunch and indulgence. Flavoured with garlic, herbs, or even spices, croutons can make a beautiful salad even more appetising.
You can make delicious croutons either in a pan or in the oven. Here at Fedipat®, we prefer using the oven as the croutons take on less oil.
For this method, preheat your oven to 180°C then
- Cube the bread and add to a bowl along with two cloves of finely minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a big pinch of fleur de sel, or coarse sea salt, a generous helping of your choice of herbs (chopped finely), and a touch of Espelette pepper, or hot paprika.
- Mix well until the cubed pieces of bread are coated with the different toppings.
- Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper and spread out the croutons evenly in a single layer.
- Bake for 15 mins or until golden.
- Leave to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Feel free to make a big batch as they’ll last for several weeks. Croutons are perfect for adding to gazpacho or giving spring salads a little something extra.
French toast
Now here’s an idea that everyone will love, a truly comforting dish, great for using up leftover bread gone stale... French toast! Of course we just had to include this one, a real treat that takes us back to our childhood. Made with basic ingredients, the recipe is simple, but you can change it up with endless variations and topping options.
To make,
- Whisk 3 eggs with 250ml of milk. Soak the bread in the egg mixture. Add a knob of butter to a frying pan, then add the bread.
- Cook until golden on both sides. Transfer to a plate and top with demerara sugar, icing sugar, maple syrup or honey.
For those with a sweet tooth, smother in chocolate sauce! Or for the health conscious, serve with fresh fruit, almonds or pecans... What a treat!
For more information about our bakery products, contact us or get in touch with your sales representative.