There’s always a day when you know you will be busy and not have time to make a decent dinner. While a PB&J works, here are a few ideas on what to do with a loaf of cheap Walmart bread instead. They can all be prepped and stashed in the fridge, too.
Croque Monsieur
I usually do this with a large Italian loaf from Walmart, but you could also use their mini sub rolls or French bread.
- Loaf of bread split lengthwise
- 1 stick of softened butter (I spread 1/2 a stick of butter on the top and 1/2 on the bottom)
- Swiss cheese
- Thinly sliced ham
Assemble and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Heat in a 350* oven for 15 minutes or so, until cheese is melted.
Italian
I know I “wouldn’t understand” but this Italian sandwich is really tasty 😉
- Loaf of bread split lengthwise
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Provolone cheese (Swiss and mozzarella work, too)
- Pepperoncini (pat dry so the bread doesn’t get soggy)
- Marinated artichoke hearts (I use Mezzetta brand)
- Italian seasoning – just a light sprinkle
Assemble and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Heat for 15 minutes or so in a 350* oven or until cheese is melted.
‘The’ Bread
This bread is as simple as simple gets, but it is soooo good.
- Loaf of bread split lengthwise
- 1 stick of softened butter
Spread the butter equally on both halves of bread and put it under the broiler. You want this to be brown on top. Somehow the ‘almost-burnt-but-not-quite-burnt’ vibe is what makes it taste so yummy. In other words, brown is good. Note: you can freeze half of this for another time.
Olive Bread
Even people that don’t like olives, like this bread.
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese (I’ve also used mozz for this)
- 6-8 ounces green olives, roughly chopped (I remove pimentos due to allergies but you can keep)
- 6-8 ounces black olives, roughly chopped
- Green onion
Mix the butter and mayo. It takes a bit of patience. Then, add all the other ingredients and spread on the bread. Bake 350* for 20 minutes. You can bake half and freeze half for later if you want. I’ve also frozen it in 6-inch chunks for lunches.
Garlic Cheese Bread
Another classic: garlic bread.
- Loaf of bread split lengthwise
- 1/2 stick of softened butter
- Garlic powder
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Spread butter over both halves of bread. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Add as much mozz and parm as looks good to you. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or so at 350* or until everything is nice and melt-y.