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Two Simple Recipes To Use Up Your Extra Rye Bread

by Kristin Edwards

Rye bread can be harder to use up than white or wheat bread, since you can't generally just make it into breadcrumbs or croutons. Thus, when you find yourself with some extra rye bread, it's important to make dishes that use this ingredient before it gets stale. Here are two simple recipes for dishes to push when your rye bread shelf is overfilled.

Open-Faced Ham and Cheese on Rye

This simple sandwich comes together in a snap. The slightly sweet ham pairs well with the rye bread, and using plenty of cheese makes the dish even more appealing. For one sandwich, you need

  • 2 thick slices of rye bread
  • 4 thick slices of maple or honey ham
  • 2 ounces of Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons butter

Spread one side of each rye bread slice with the butter, and spread the other side with the mustard. Place the bread, butter side down, in a medium-hot skillet. Top each slice with half of each kind of cheese, followed by the ham. Cook over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is browned. Serve with a knife and a fork.

Sweet Rye and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich

Enjoy this unique breakfast sandwich, knowing that you're using up your rye bread in the process. The sweetness of the bacon and maple syrup is a nice contrast to the boldly flavored bread. For one sandwich, you'll need

  • 2 thin slices of rye bread, toasted
  • 1 egg
  • 2 slices bacon
  • Approximately 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 ounce cheddar cheese, grated
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle some vegetable oil into a skillet, and heat it over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan, and season it with salt and pepper. Turn the egg over once the white has solidified, and continue cooking to your desired doneness. When the egg is almost done, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of it so that it melts. Place the egg on one slice of rye toast, and top it with the bacon and a drizzle of the maple syrup. Place the second slice of toast on top, and enjoy.

If you do not think you'll be able to use up all of your rye bread by the time it gets stale, consider placing it in the freezer. When defrosted, it should still taste relatively fresh and will be perfect for all of your favorite dishes. Talk to a bread supplier like Klosterman Baking Company for more ideas.

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