We’ve all been there: reaching for a loaf of bread only to find it has passed its prime, now hard and uninspiring. Yet, before you toss that stale bread into the trash, consider this: it’s a treasure trove of possibilities just waiting to be discovered.
In a time when reducing food waste is more important than ever, finding inventive ways to repurpose stale bread can not only save money but also help the environment. Join us as we delve into a world of culinary creativity and beyond, exploring a range of practical and unexpected uses for stale bread.
From turning it into delicious breadcrumbs and croutons to other yummy recipes, this blog post will inspire you to think twice before discarding those once-fresh slices. Let’s transform what might seem like a lost cause into a resourceful solution.
This article is part of a Don’t Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.
Don’t toss out that stale French bread, croissant, biscuit or even common sandwich bread that has seen better days. As long as it’s not moldy, there are lots of ways to use stale bread. You may find some of them so tasty that you’ll be scrounging through the bakery to buy the day-old stuff (at half price or less, of course).
What to do with stale bread
Some recipes not only allow you to use stale bread, they encourage it, even require it. It’s a must for Thanksgiving stuffing, perfect for grilled sandwiches and garlic bread.
The most common use may be French toast. Even a kid can beat and egg with some milk, dip stale bread in it and fry it. It’s a basic recipe in most kids’ cookbooks. French toast also can get very sophisticated, be made into a casserole, and adapt to both sweet and savory treatments. But let’s start with the basics. Try this recipe from Alton Brown.
Take bread pudding. This dish was invented to use stale bread, and just about any variety — French or Italian bread, challah, plain old white sandwich bread or, best of all, croissants. Best bread pudding I ever ate was made from croissants. Try Nigella Lawson’s recipe.
What about a strata? This hearty dish can be made ahead of time and starts with eggs and bread (both cheap); then add a bunch of other ingredients for flavor (bacon, ham, spinach, peppers, you name it). It usually includes cheese (a good chance to be frugal and use those bits and ends in the fridge). Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Test out this sausage and spinach egg strata by Rachael Ray.
Bruschetta just wouldn’t be the same on fresh bread. You need something a bit drier that will hold up when toasted and topped with wet ingredients like tomatoes. Leftover French or Italian or other rustic bread work well here. Try this Giada De Laurentiis recipe.
The Italian panzanella salad is made predominantly of stale bread croutons and fresh tomatoes — a perfect summer dish. Try this one by the Barefoot Contessa.
Or make a pot of ribollita, a hearty Italian soup with vegetables, beans and stale bread. Rachel Rachael Ray has a great recipe.
Croutons bought in the store ready-made can be fairly expensive. And they’re just stale bread. Make your own for the tastiest salads ever. The Neelys’ recipe is super easy.
Bread crumbs. You paid WHAT for a canister of dry bread crumbs at the store? Make your own. They’re called for in many recipes, from meatloaf and meatballs to coatings for fried foods and binder for crab or salmon cakes. Just leave the bread out to dry overnight or place it on a cookie sheet in the oven for a few minutes and then whirl it up in your blender a few slices at a time. Voila! Homemade bread crumbs. Watch Alton Brown make them.
You’ll never toss out stale bread to the birds again.
What to do with stale french bread
Stale French bread might seem like a kitchen conundrum, but it’s actually a versatile ingredient waiting to elevate your culinary creations. Here are some creative and delicious ways to make the most of your leftover loaves:
- Garlic Bread: Slice the French bread, spread generously with garlic butter, and bake until golden and crispy. The stale texture allows the bread to soak up the flavorful butter while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Crostini: Slice thinly, drizzle with olive oil, and toast until crisp. These make perfect bases for a variety of toppings like cheese, tapenade, or roasted vegetables, offering a delightful crunch and robust flavor.
- Bread Pudding: Transform stale French bread into a luxurious dessert by combining it with a custard of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Bake with raisins or chocolate chips for an added touch of sweetness.
- French Toast: The dense texture of stale French bread is ideal for absorbing an egg mixture, resulting in a rich and fluffy breakfast dish. Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.
- Soups and Stews: Use chunks of stale French bread to thicken and add body to soups and stews. They absorb the flavors of the broth, enriching the dish with a hearty consistency.
- Panzanella Salad: Incorporate stale French bread pieces into a classic Tuscan salad. Toss with ripe tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and basil, and finish with a vinaigrette for a refreshing, rustic meal.
- Stuffing: Utilize French bread as the base for a savory stuffing. Mix with herbs, vegetables, and broth for a flavorful accompaniment to roasted meats.
Repurposing stale French bread not only enhances your dishes with its distinct texture and flavor but also contributes to reducing food waste. Embrace the opportunity to turn this often-overlooked ingredient into a centerpiece of your meals.
Even more stale bread uses
Transforming stale bread into delicious dishes is a great way to minimize food waste while adding unique flavors and textures to your meals. Here are some tasty ideas to consider:
- Breadcrumbs: Easily make homemade breadcrumbs by grinding stale bread in a food processor. They add a perfect crunch to casseroles, pasta dishes, or as a coating for fried foods.
- Croutons: Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy. These crunchy bites are perfect for topping salads or soups.
- French Toast: Use stale slices to make rich and delightful French toast. The slightly dry texture absorbs the egg mixture beautifully, creating a soft and flavorful breakfast treat.
- Bread Pudding: Bake stale bread with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices to turn it into a comforting dessert. Add fruits or chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
- Bruschetta: Toast slices of stale bread and top them with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Strata: Create a savory bread pudding with layers of stale bread, vegetables, cheese, and eggs for a hearty brunch dish that’s packed with flavor.
Repurposing stale bread into these delightful recipes not only enhances your culinary creations but also contributes to reducing food waste. Embrace the opportunity to give your bread a second life with these simple and satisfying options.
If you liked this post, you may also like:
Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
How to keep fall fruits and vegetables longer
How to store winter fruits and veggies
How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit
For more information about food preservation methods and recipes, see The Home Preserving Bible by Carole Cancler.
The Leftovers series:
They aren’t left behind; they’re simply left over.
Use your cookout leftovers in an easy egg bake
Leftover Easter ham recipes
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
Ways to use leftover turkey
23 delicious uses for Thanksgiving leftovers
18 frugal Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Turn Christmas dinner leftovers into a New Year’s Eve BBQ
5 leftovers you should never throw away
