Canned brown bread is a shelf-stable bread product that is convenient, quick, and easy to use. It is made by baking loaves of brown bread and then canning them to extend their shelf life. Canned brown bread can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. It comes in a can that is ready-to-eat without any additional preparation needed. Canned brown bread makes a great addition to meals when you want the flavor and nutrition of whole grain bread without having to bake it yourself. There are many versatile ways to enjoy canned brown bread that can help add fiber and whole grains to your diet.
Nutrition Facts of Canned Brown Bread
Canned brown bread provides a good source of fiber and nutrients found in whole grains like wheat or rye. Here are some of the nutrition facts for a 1 slice serving of canned brown bread:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
As you can see, canned brown bread provides dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein without too much added sugar or saturated fat. The sodium content can vary by brand, so be sure to check labels if limiting sodium intake.
How to Store Canned Brown Bread
Canned brown bread can be stored in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, it is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Properly stored, unopened canned brown bread has a shelf life of 1-2 years. After opening, it will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Make sure to check the expiration or “best by” date on the can before consuming. Look for any signs of swelling, leaking, dents, or rust on the can, as this could indicate spoilage. Discard any canned bread that shows these signs or smells unpleasant when opened.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some easy ideas for how to eat and serve canned brown bread:
Toast slices
Toast slices of canned brown bread just like you would fresh bread. Toast it lightly to warm through and add crunch. Spread with butter, jam, or peanut butter for a balanced breakfast.
Make sandwiches
Use slices of canned brown bread in place of regular bread to make sandwiches. Try it in classics like turkey sandwiches or grilled cheese. The hearty texture stands up well to sandwich fillings.
Serve with soups
Pair canned brown bread with soups like baked bean soup, chili, or clam chowder. The bread makes a filling accompaniment to dunk into hearty soups and stews.
Make bread pudding
Cube leftover canned brown bread and use it to bake a delicious bread pudding. Simply combine the bread cubes with eggs, milk, spices, and mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts. Bake until set for a comforting dessert.
Use in stuffing
Incorporate canned brown bread into your Thanksgiving stuffing mix. Dice it up along with stale bread cubes, veggies, broth, and seasonings for a whole grain twist.
Top with baked beans
Open a can of baked beans and top with slices of canned brown bread for an easy homemade baked bean sandwich. Add shredded cheese or other toppings if desired.
Make bruschetta
Grill or toast slices of canned brown bread. Top with bruschetta mixtures using fresh diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and garlic.
Tips for Cooking with Canned Brown Bread
Here are some helpful tips for cooking with canned brown bread successfully:
– Drain and rinse the bread before using to remove excess sodium from the canning liquid.
– Refresh stale bread by lightly toasting or crisping it up in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F.
– Let the bread sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften before slicing or cutting for recipes.
– When cubed for recipes like bread puddings or stuffing, let the cubes thoroughly dry out overnight to help them absorb the custard or broth better.
– For sandwiches, combine canned brown bread with soft fillings and spreads to offset the firmer canned bread texture.
– Canned brown bread tends to be smaller slices than fresh loaves. You may need 2-3 slices per serving.
– Shake the can well before opening to distribute moisture throughout the loaf for more even slices.
– Use caution when opening the can—the edges of the lid are sharp. Use an oven mitt or towel when removing it.
Benefits of Canned Brown Bread
There are many benefits that make canned brown bread a smart kitchen staple:
Convenience
Canned brown bread needs no prep or baking. It’s ready to eat immediately when you need bread in a hurry.
Long shelf life
Properly stored, unopened canned brown bread stays fresh for up to 2 years in the pantry. It’s a great item for your emergency food supply.
Versatile
It can be used as a substitute for fresh bread in many recipes and dishes. The uses are virtually endless.
Cost effective
Canned brown bread costs a fraction of artisan breads. It makes whole grains affordable and accessible.
Portable
The canned format means brown bread can be taken on trips, packed in lunches, or stashed in your glove box easily.
Nutritious
It offers the nutritional benefits of 100% whole wheat bread, like fiber for digestion and gut health.
Overall, incorporating canned brown bread into your diet is an easy way to enjoy the great taste and nutrition of whole grains whenever you need them. With its convenience, affordability and long shelf life, canned brown bread is the ultimate versatile pantry staple.
Conclusion
Canned brown bread is a quick, budget-friendly way to enjoy whole grain bread. It can be served toasted, in sandwiches, with soups and baked beans, or transformed into stuffings and bread puddings. Storing it is hassle-free, and its long shelf life prevents waste. Canned brown bread is nutritionally comparable to fresh brown bread, providing fiber, carbohydrates, and protein. With some clever uses, canned brown bread can create fast, wholesome meals and snacks using an item you can grab right off the pantry shelf. Keeping canned brown bread stocked in your pantry provides versatility for those times when you need bread but don’t have fresh loaves on hand.