Kids won't eat the crust? Here are 3 ways to utilize the unwanted!

How often do you hear 'I don't like the crust'? Too often at my place. By the time you cut off the crusts and add the two bread ends, there's almost half a loaf! There's 2 problems with that. 1, it's a terrible waste of food and 2, it's a terrible waste of money! So in order to waste less and save more, here are three ways to use the bits that usually get thrown out!

1. Make your own breadcrumbs

I never buy bread crumbs anymore! This has been such a game changer for us. We now waste ZERO bread.

Simply collect your cut off crusts in a container, but leave the lid off. This helps to dry the bread out. Whenever you take out the first and last piece of bread (the bread ends) add them to the container also. After a few days of sitting with the lid off they should be nice and dry and ready to transform themselves into breadcrumbs.

Add your crusts to a food processor and blend til your desired crumb consistency. Store in an airtight container and voila, you will never need to buy breadcrumbs again. A bonus is they taste even better than the store bought varieties!

2. Bring back the croutons

I forgot how good croutons were til I made them myself! These will elevate any salad or soup from meh to OMG!

Chop up your crusts into small chunks (size is up to you but roughly 1cm x 1cm). In a bowl, toss the crust chunks with 1/4 cup oil (this is if you have the equivalent of 1 loaf of bread. If less, adjust the oil quantity to suit). Sprinkle with some salt, pepper, italian seasoning and garlic powder and stir to evenly coat. Spread the cubes into a single layer on a lined baking tray and bake at 190C for 15-20 mins, turning once about half way. Leave to cool and then store in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Bread Crusts

Ok this one is going to turn your kids from crust haters to crust LOVERS!

Collect crusts from one loaf of bread (roughly 5-6 cups of bread crusts or sliced bread heels) Place bread crusts in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter on top. Toss to coat. Pour on 3/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon and toss to coat again. Spread onto a cookie sheet and bake at 165C for 25-30 minutes, flipping at least once during the baking time, until golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy these on their own as a snack or top with a scoop of ice cream for an extra tasty dessert!

Recipe via recipetineats.com

How do you feel about crusts now? Not so humble, are they?!