Who doesn’t like more for less? While bagels may not be the biggest financial investment you make this week, why not maximize what you get while shaving a few calories at the same time?
Instead of buying thinner bagels—often labeled bagel thins or bagel slims—that pale in comparison to the real deal, slice your favorite bagel into three slices instead of two. That way, you’ll control how slim you want your bagel to be.
Toast your homemade “bagel thins” and you’re good to go. Now, what to do with that middle slice that contains the hole? Make croutons! Tear the slice into bite-sized pieces, toss the pieces with olive oil, garlic and salt, and pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes (or the regular oven at 300° F for approximately 15 minutes or until toasted, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn as water content varies widely among bagels).
Experiment with seasonings to create your own unique salad topper; i.e., try butter instead of oil and your favorite herbs or spices in place of or in addition to garlic.
