Beyond Toast: 7 Innovative Ways To Utilise Sliced Bread

Sliced bread is a versatile ingredient that goes well beyond being just a vehicle for spreading butter or jam. In India, where bread has become a staple in many households, it's time to unleash its true potential. In this article, we will explore seven delightful and unexpected ways to utilize sliced bread, taking your culinary adventures to new heights. From indulgent desserts to savoury snacks, get ready to transform your bread slices into mouthwatering treats!

Also Read: School Time Sandwiches: 7 Wholesome and Delicious Ideas

Bread Gulab Jamun

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Ghee or oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Remove the crust from the bread slices and tear them into small pieces.
2. Soak the bread pieces in milk until they become soft and mushy.
3. Mash the soaked bread and form small balls.
4. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan and fry the bread balls until golden brown.
5. In a separate pan, make a sugar syrup by boiling water, sugar, and cardamom powder until it reaches a sticky consistency.
6. Remove the fried bread balls from the oil and add them to the sugar syrup.
7. Let the bread balls soak in the syrup for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful twist on the classic Indian sweet!

Bread Pakora

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Water for batter
• Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Cut the bread slices into halves or quarters to form triangular or rectangular shapes.
2. In a bowl, mix besan, rice flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients and whisk until you achieve a smooth batter.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
5. Dip each bread slice into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated, and gently slide it into the hot oil.
6. Fry until the pakoras turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the pakoras from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
8. Serve these crunchy bread pakoras with mint chutney or tomato ketchup for a delicious snack!

Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Raisins and nuts (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Cut the bread slices into small squares or triangles.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
4. Remove the milk mixture from the heat and add the bread pieces, allowing them to soak for a few minutes.
5. If desired, add raisins and nuts to the mixture for added texture and flavour.
6. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
7. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm. This bread pudding makes for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion!

Bread Upma

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A few curries leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Method:

1. Cut the bread slices into small squares or cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3. Add the chopped onion, tomato, and green chilli to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the mixture and mix well.
5. Add the bread cubes to the pan and toss gently to coat them evenly with the spices.
6. Cook for a few minutes until the bread becomes slightly crisp and absorbs the flavour.
7. Serve the bread upma hot as a quick and flavorful breakfast or snack option.

Bread Dhokla

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/4 cup yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon green chilli paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon fruit salt (eno)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for greasing

Method:

1. Trim the crust from the bread slices and cut them into small pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, yoghurt, semolina, ginger paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture to form a smooth batter.
4. Grease a steamer tray or a round cake pan with oil.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the greased tray.
6. Take the bread pieces and arrange them on top of the batter, gently pressing them in.
7. Fill a steamer or a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the tray with the batter and bread pieces in the steamer or pot.
8. Steam for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
9. Remove from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares or diamonds.
10. Serve the bread dhokla with mint chutney or tamarind chutney as a delightful snack or appetizer.

Bread Pizza

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings (e.g., bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, etc.)
• Dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil, etc.)
• Chilli flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread pizza sauce evenly on each bread slice.
3. Arrange the desired toppings over the sauce, such as bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, etc.
4. Sprinkle-grated mozzarella cheese on top and season with dried herbs, chilli flakes, and salt to taste.
5. Place the prepared bread pizzas on a baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these quick and tasty bread pizzas as a delightful snack or lunch option.

Bread Ice Cream Rolls

Ingredients:

1. 4 slices of bread
2. 2 cups milk
3. 1/2 cup condensed milk
4. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. Assorted toppings (e.g., chocolate chips, fruit slices, nuts, etc.)

Method:

1. Trim the crust from the bread slices and cut them into small pieces.
2. In a blender, blend the bread pieces, milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto a flat tray or a large plate and spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle your favourite te toppings, such as chocolate chips, fruit slices, nuts, etc., over the mixture.
5. Place the tray in the freezer for about 3-4 hours or until the mixture solidifies.
6. Once frozen, use a spatula or a knife to scrape the frozen mixture and roll it into ice cream rolls.
7. Serve the bread ice cream rolls in bowls or cones for a unique and delicious frozen treat.

Sliced bread, a common pantry staple, can be transformed into delectable dishes beyond the traditional toast. From sweet treats like bread gulab jamun and bread pudding to savoury snacks like bread pakora and bread upma, these creative recipes breathe new life into sliced bread. Step outside your comfort zone and explore the endless possibilities of using sliced bread in your culinary adventures. Enjoy the fusion of flavours and textures as you savour these delightful dishes that make the most of this humble ingredient.