Too Much Italian Bread? Try These Recipes To Use It Up
Posted on: 29 December 2015
Fresh Italian bread from a bakery is delicious, but it gets stale rather quickly since it is typically made without preservatives. If you have some extra Italian bread laying around, don't let it go to waste. These three delicious recipes will allow you to use it up, even if it is already getting a little stale. You may love them so much, you'll end up frequenting a bread supplier just so you can make these delicious dishes!
Garlic Croutons
Homemade croutons are so much better than store-bought ones! Toss these garlicky, buttery croutons on salads or even soups. If you keep them in a covered container in your cupboard, they will stay fresh for weeks.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Spread the bread cubes out on a large baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes. While the croutons are baking, combine the butter, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Remove the croutons from the oven, and brush them liberally with this mixture.
Return the croutons to the oven, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are completely dried out. Turn over once during baking. Let them cool completely before transferring to an air-tight container.
Experiment with the seasonings on these croutons to suit your preferences. Adding some cayenne pepper gives them a nice spiciness, and sprinkling them with oregano gives them an Italian-inspired flavor.
Baked Strawberry French Toast
You've never had French toast like this before! Not only does this version feature a decadent strawberry topping, but it is made in the oven rather than on a griddle -- so it's an easy choice.
Ingredients:
- 8 thick slices of Italian bread
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, drained
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Directions:
Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. Lay the bread out in a single layer in a deep baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, and let it rest for 20 minutes or until all of the egg mixture has been absorbed into the bread.
Place the pan in a 375 degree F oven, and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. While the French toast is baking, combine the strawberries and cream cheese in a blender. Puree until smooth. Spread this mixture over the French toast, and return it to the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve.
Spiced Belgian Bread Pudding
In Belgium, bread pudding is typically made with brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins. This version made with Italian bread closely resembles the real thing. Enjoy it topped with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (remove the crusts)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 ounces sweetened, condensed milk
- 3/4 cup reduced fat milk
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- a pinch of nutmeg
- a pinch of sat
- a pinch of allspice
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, condensed milk, reduced fat milk, spices, butter, and brown sugar. Add the bread to the bowl, and toss it to ensure it is evenly coated with the egg mixture. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
Stir in the raisins, and then transfer the bread pudding mixture to a lightly greased, rectangular baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 - 35 minutes. The pudding should be firm to the touch and lightly browned when done. Remove from the oven, and let cool for about 10 minutes, and then cut into squares. Serve as desired. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently in the microwave.
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