Cheap and easy meals with bread as the main ingredient

Welcome to our 'Cooking with the Basics' series! Each article in this series will cover a bunch of simple recipes you can follow, all based on a common ingredient you can find in your cupboard. Up next we have bread! Now you may think bread is only really useful for a sandwich but you'd be wrong!

The recipes below will all cost £10.00 or lower and should produce enough for multiple portions for your week! All you have to do is meal prep to get the most for your money (this estimate is based on the average price gained from Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S in June 2024. This is subject to change).

Cheesy bread and tomato bake (££)

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cut into chunks (around 400g)
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 200g grated cheese (Cheddar or any cheese of choice)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. In a frying pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft.
3. Add the tin of chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, layer half of the bread chunks.
5. Pour half of the tomato mixture over the bread and sprinkle with half of the grated cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, tomato mixture, and cheese.
7. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Serve hot, portioned into 4 servings.

Cost: Approx. £6

Garlic bread pizza (££)

Ingredients

• 1 large baguette or 4 small baguettes
• 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100g pepperoni slices or any topping of choice
• 4 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 50g butter, melted
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Cut the baguette in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
3. Mix the melted butter with minced garlic and brush over the cut sides of the baguette.
4. Spread the tomato purée evenly over the baguette halves.
5. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add the pepperoni slices or other toppings.
7. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cut into slices and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Cost: Approx. £8

Bread pudding (£)

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cut into cubes (around 400g)
• 600ml whole milk
• 100g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 50g raisins or sultanas
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Butter for greasing the dish

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter and place the bread cubes in it.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked.
5. Sprinkle the raisins or sultanas evenly over the top.
6. Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
7. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Cost: Approx. £5

All these recipes are quick, easy, and can be customised to your taste preferences. The ingredients can all also be used for other recipes on Halls Life so keep a look out for more recipes coming soon!