BREAD SMOOTHIE

Forget everything you thought you knew about smoothies. Bread smoothies are taking the blended beverage world by storm, proving that leftover loaves deserve some blender time too. While it may seem unconventional, adding bread to your morning smoothie provides fiber, protein and satisfaction that fruit and veggies alone can’t match. So before tossing that stale sourdough or forgotten baguette, give bread smoothies a whirl. Your tastebuds and stomach will thank you! Keep reading for everything you need to know about this hot smoothie trend.

Choose Your Bread

While any bread can work, certain varieties blend up better than others. Look for loaves with an open, porous crumb vs. dense, gummy textures.

Brioche, challah, sourdough, and wheat breads perform nicely, absorbing lots of flavorful liquid. Day old or lightly toasted is ideal.

For gluten-free smoothies, whole grain, nut and seed breads like pumpkin, banana and zucchini work beautifully.

Avoid Ends and Crusts

For the smoothest texture, cut away tough crusts and ends before blending. The interior of the loaf will break down easier.

Liquid is Key

Since bread is very absorbent, you need ample liquid to achieve a drinkable smoothie texture. Milk, yogurt, kefir and non-dairy milks work wonderfully here.

Fruit and vegetable juices also help provide moisture, as juices from fresh produce like pineapple, orange, tomato, beet and carrot.

Aim for at least 1 cup liquid per 1-2 slices of bread in your smoothie recipe.

Soak it Up

For best results, soak cubed bread in milk or juice for 5 minutes before blending to soften and prevent dryness.

Fruits and Veggies

Don’t forget the produce! Fruits and veggies boost nutrition and provide complementary flavors.

Bananas, berries, mango, pineapple, kiwi and stone fruits all add sweetness. Spinach, kale and zucchini offer green freshness.

Tomatoes, carrots, beets and peppers bring nutrient density. Get creative with your own combos!

Protein Power

To ramp up staying power, add protein sources like Greek yogurt, peanut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, nuts or nut butters.

Cottage cheese, ricotta, and mascarpone offer a creamy element. Beans, lentils and tofu can provide plant-based protein too.

Eggs are another great addition. Try a hard boiled egg for thickness and nutrition.

Boost with Oats

For extra fiber and whole grains, sprinkle in rolled or steel-cut oats before blending. Start with 1-2 tablespoons.

Sweeten as Desired

If your fruit and veggies aren’t providing enough sweetness, you can subtly enhance flavor with honey, maple syrup, pitted dates or vanilla.

For sugar-free options, try stevia, erythritol or vanilla protein powder. But you may not need extra sweetener at all.

Blend it Up

When blending your bread smoothie, start with liquid ingredients and soft items like fruit. Add cubes of slightly toasted or stale bread last.

Blend on high until completely smooth. For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to finish off.

Add more liquid if needed for pourable drink consistency. Pour over ice and garnish as desired.

Conclusion

Bread smoothies unlock a whole new way to savor your favorite loaves while loading up on nutrition. Simply blend cubes of bread with milk, juice, fruits, veggies and protein for a satisfying meal in a glass. This ingenious recipe rescues leftover bread that would otherwise get tossed. Fiber-full, protein-packed and totally customizable, bread smoothies will revolutionize your breakfast and snack routine.

FAQs

1. Does fresh or frozen fruit work best?

Both! Use fresh fruit for brighter flavor and frozen for thickness.

2. Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely. Gluten-free loaves like banana, pumpkin or nut breads work great.

3. Do I need to add sweetener?

Only if needed or desired. Fruit and veggies provide natural sweetness.

4. Can I make it nut-free?

Yes, use seeds like chia or hemp instead of nut butters and milks.

5. How long does it stay fresh?

Drink bread smoothies immediately for best taste. Store extras up to 2 days.