FRUGAL TIPS: Use Your Bread

If you want to save money, use what you have. We all know that, but let's face it. We've all thrown away the heel/crust of the bread, bread gone stale or moldy...

Here are a few thrifty ways to make the most of what you have, leftover that is.

• Heel/Crust/Bread Butt (yes I have friends that use that term)
  
  Not a fan of of the little piece on the end. Kids won't touch it? Use it for grilled cheese. The crust part goes on the inside. With melted gooey cheese all over it, your kids will never know. Mine didn't at lunch today.
• Stale Bread = Croutons
  
  Cut it into cubes, throw them in ziplock bag with a little olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, parsley (or whatever herb you like) and shake-it-up. Spread on a sheet pan and bake at 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You want them to be completely dried out, but not shriveled and burned.


• Leftover Buns = Garlic Toast Heaven
  
  Always seem to have a couple of hamburger or hot dog buns left over that sit there until I pitch them. What was I thinking? Use them for snacks, for grilled cheese, but my favorite is to use little guys are a side dish saver. Two words - garlic toast. This is a healthier option compared to store brands that the butter substitute used is layered 2 inches thick. Spread a little bit of butter, garlic powder, sea salt, and parsley and broil until lightly toasted. You can omit the garlic for a lighter flavor to serve with roast, ham, chicken, or just because.


• Bread crumbs
  
  This is a usual recommendation and I almost didn't post it. Dried bread into the food processor/blender and wa-la... bread crumbs. I don't use them in great amounts, but if you do - crumb away. I just make them as I need them.

Any other ideas on how to make the most of your bread?