These homemade bread cubes are perfect for making stuffing, offering a fresh and flavorful base for your favorite recipes. Using simple ingredients, you can create the ideal texture and taste for your stuffing needs.
The process is straightforward and allows you to customize the bread with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile.
Creating the Perfect Bread Cubes
Homemade bread cubes serve as a delightful foundation for stuffing, bringing a fresh and vibrant touch to your meals. The process of making these cubes is simple, allowing you to incorporate your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized flavor.
Using just a few ingredients, you can achieve a balance of crispiness and softness that enhances any dish. The versatility of these bread cubes makes them suitable for various recipes, from traditional stuffing to innovative side dishes.
Ingredients for Flavorful Bread Cubes
To create approximately 8 cups of bread cubes, you’ll need a loaf of your choice—white, whole wheat, or sourdough works well. The addition of olive oil or melted butter, along with salt and dried herbs, elevates the taste.
Consider using thyme, rosemary, or sage to complement the bread’s natural flavor. A touch of black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth to the mix, ensuring each cube is seasoned perfectly.
Preparation Steps to Follow
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that golden-brown finish on your bread cubes.
Next, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, allowing it to sit out for a few hours or overnight can help it dry slightly, which is essential for achieving the right texture when baked.
Seasoning Your Bread Cubes
In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, salt, dried herbs, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the cubes are evenly coated, ensuring that each piece is infused with flavor.
This step is crucial, as the seasoning will enhance the overall taste of your stuffing or side dish. Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your preference for a unique twist.
Baking to Perfection
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and ensures that each cube gets that desirable crispiness.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even toasting. Keep an eye on them as they bake, watching for that perfect golden-brown color that indicates they are ready.
Cooling and Storing Your Bread Cubes
Once baked, remove the bread cubes from the oven and let them cool completely. This cooling period is important as it helps maintain their crisp texture.
If you’re not using them immediately, store the cooled cubes in an airtight container. They can last up to a week, making them a convenient option for meal prep or last-minute additions to your dishes.
Easy Bread Cubes Recipe for Stuffing
This recipe yields approximately 8 cups of bread cubes, ideal for stuffing a turkey or serving as a side dish. The bread is toasted to achieve a perfect balance of crispiness and softness, making it an excellent choice for absorbing flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly.
- Season the Cubes: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, salt, dried herbs, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the Cubes: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and let the bread cubes cool completely. Use immediately for stuffing or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 cups
- Calories: 100kcal per cup
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g