A fresh loaf of bread may look perfectly fine and useful on day one, but after a few days the slices turn dry, the edges become too hard, and nobody is in the mood for another type of sandwich. Sometimes the packet just sits in the kitchen until it is past the date, and then it is simply tossed away.
The festive season is actually a good reason to break that loop. Rather than turning leftover bread into another sweet that you have been bored of, this time use it as the base to make crisp snacks, savoury bites and appetisers that you can prepare for your next get-together. The best part? Dry bread often works nicely for these recipes as it soaks up flavours without tumbling apart.
Bread Dahi Chaat
You think chaat can only be of aloo? Well, the answer is no, because you can turn the leftover bread into a quick chaat by simply cutting the slices into small cubes and then toasting them on a tawa with a little ghee until they get crisp. Take a bowl and layer the pieces with thick chilled curd, green chutney, tamarind chutney, roasted cumin powder and a pinch of chaat masala. You can also add pomegranate seeds and sev on top for a pop of colour and crunch.
The slightly crisp bread works surprisingly well with that creamy curd and sweet-tangy chutneys. Serve it in small bowls or in individual cups, making it a simple but delicious starter when you want something colourful without much cooking.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Bread Sesame Fingers
Cut the leftover bread into long strips and then brush them lightly with a mixture made of melted butter, garlic, chilli flakes and dried herbs. Sprinkle some sesame seeds generously over the top and then toast the strips on a tawa or simply bake them until crisp and golden.
They turn crunchy from the edges, with a savoury, garlicky taste that works beautifully when paired with creamy cheese dip, hummus or mint mayo. They are easy to make in batches, appear to be neat on a snack platter and are also a good way to use bread that has begun to dry out.
Bread Pizza Bites
If you are looking for a snack that needs almost no elaborate preparation, there is no simpler option than turning bread slices into mini pizza bites. All you have to do is spread each slice with pizza sauce, then add finely chopped capsicum, onion, corn, olives or whatever vegetables you prefer on it. Lastly, finish with some grated cheese and oregano before baking or air-frying until the edges turn crisp and the cheese melts totally.
Cut each slice into four small pieces and then serve them on a platter. They look party-ready without needing any cooking, and it appeals to both children and adults.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Masala Bread Toast
When you want to have something quick and also not deep-fried, masala bread toast is an easy snack to put together. Mix some finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilli, coriander and spices with a little besan or sooji to make a spreadable paste. Apply this generously over the bread and then cook topping-side down first on a hot tawa while applying a little oil.
Flip once the topping sets and gets cooked perfectly, and let the bread turn crisp. Cut into bite-sized triangles and then serve with chutney for a snack that needs very little time.
Bread Cheese Rolls
Give leftover bread a party-style makeover by making crispy cheese rolls. Trim the edges if the bread feels very dry, flatten each slice with the help of a rolling pin and place a small amount of grated cheese mixed with some chilli flakes and herbs in the centre. Roll them tightly, seal with a little flour-water paste and shallow-fry or air-fry until golden.
The bread turns crisp around the edges, whereas the cheese remains soft and gooey within. Serve these hot with tomato or mint chutney, and they will earn you all the praise. Bread cheese rolls are also quite a convenient option to make in batches ahead of gatherings.