How to Dry Bread

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By Robin Hewitt
eHow Contributing Writer

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Whether you're making stuffing or croutons, your recipe will taste better if you dry the bread rather than purchase a prepackaged product. Drying your own bread allows you to choose the type of bread and offers the opportunity to use up stale bread and crusts that may otherwise go to waste.
While Grandma used to place her bread crusts on top of the wood burner or cook stove to dry, you'll find it more economical (and sanitary) to use your oven.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Slices of bread
Cookie sheet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
Step 2

Decide how you want to use your dried bread and cut it accordingly. For example, if you're making stuffing, cut each bread slice into 1/2-inch cubes; for croutons, use thick, sliced bread and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Step 3

Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Step 4

Place the cookie sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven.
Step 5

Bake for 30 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes until the bread cubes are dry to the touch.
Step 6

Cool the dry bread on the cookie sheet.
Step 7

Store in a covered container until you're ready to use the dry bread.

Tips & Warnings

To dry seasoned bread, toss the cubes in a bowl with seasonings of your choice before drying. You can freeze leftover bread slices and crusts until you have collected enough bread to dry.