The expression “the greatest thing since sliced bread” sounds like a cliché — that is, until you attempt to slice a loaf of fresh, crusty bread yourself. Only then do you realize how difficult the task actually is, at least without smashing the bread beyond recognition. You can see why anyone who had to make…
A Bread-er Way To Slice
So, how do you slice a loaf of crusty bread without crushing it? The answer is both simple and unexpected: Turn the loaf upside down before cutting it.
This works because the bottom of the loaf is tougher than the top. When you slice through the denser bottom first, you don’t need to press as hard with the knife. The firm, stable base supports the loaf, making slicing easier and minimizing crushing to the soft, airy top. It’s also recommended to saw the bread gently instead of forcing the knife straight down.
Tips and Cautions
Of course, with countless types of bread in this world, the upside-down loaf hack won’t apply to all of them. It works best for softer varieties, such as a French loaf or a ciabatta. Other types, especially those with harder bottoms, will require different techniques. For example, the best method for cutting a baguette is to slice it at a 45-degree angle.
More from our network
House Outlook is part of Inbox Studio, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
The right tools are also crucial here. To properly cut any bread, you need a good-quality serrated bread knife. Using any other type of knife will likely leave your poor loaf smashed no matter what you try.
If you’re left-handed, you might face an additional hurdle: Most bread knives are designed for right-handed people (as are so many other things). If your slices never turn out quite right, this may be the reason. The good news is that you can buy bread knives designed specifically for left-handed users.
