Think twice before tossing that stale bread! There are so many cool ways to repurpose leftover bread that you probably haven’t thought of. From homemade croutons to bread pudding, those old slices can turn into something amazing. Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on food waste and save some cash.
Bread Crumbs
Got stale bread? Don’t toss it! Toast it up and grind it into bread crumbs. They’re perfect for coating chicken, fish or adding a crunchy topping to casseroles. Homemade bread crumbs beat store-bought any day!
Croutons
Cube your leftover bread, toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then bake until crispy. Homemade croutons are amazing on salads and soups, adding a delicious crunch that’s way better than packaged ones.
Use them on this recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad
French Toast
Stale bread makes the best French toast. Soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, then fry it up. Top with syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an easy, tasty breakfast.
Try this recipe: French Toast Casserole
Bread Pudding
Sweet or savory, bread pudding is a fantastic way to use up leftover bread. Mix with milk, eggs, sugar, and your favorite spices or veggies, then bake. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Try this recipe: Strawberry Chocolate Bread Pudding
Panzanella Salad
Turn stale bread into a Tuscan bread salad. Toss bread cubes with juicy tomatoes, onions, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette. Let it sit so the flavors meld together. Perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Get this recipe: Blueberry Panzanella Salad
Stuffing
Use cubed bread in stuffing for poultry or as a standalone side dish. Mix with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and broth, then bake until golden. It’s a holiday favorite for a reason!
Try this delicious holiday stuffing: Chestnut Stuffing
Bread Soup
Add chunks of bread to soups like ribollita or gazpacho for extra texture and flavor. The bread soaks up all the delicious broth, making each bite hearty and satisfying.
Garlic Bread
Spread butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley on bread slices, then toast until golden. Homemade garlic bread is a quick and tasty side for pasta or soups.
Get this recipe: Garlic Bread
Breadsticks
Roll and bake leftover bread dough into breadsticks. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and Parmesan for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Make Panade
A panade is a mixture of bread and milk, combined to form a paste, that is incorporated into ground meats so that they don’t get too hard or dry when you cook them. It’s perfect for making moist meatballs or meatloaf that doesn’t come out like a brick.
Try it in this recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Bread Chips
Slice leftover bread thin, brush with olive oil, and bake until crispy. Bread chips are great for dipping into hummus, salsa, or your favorite spreads.
Crostini
Toast slices of bread and top with a variety of spreads and toppings like bruschetta, goat cheese, or smoked salmon. Crostini makes for a quick and elegant appetizer.
Try this recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini
Bread Crust Pizza
Use bread crusts as a base for mini pizzas. Top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Kids will love this fun and easy meal!
Breakfast Strata
Layer bread with eggs, cheese, and vegetables for a hearty breakfast bake. Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a no-fuss, delicious breakfast that feeds a crowd.
Try this recipe: Everything Bagel Strata
Grilled Cheese
Use leftover bread for a classic or gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Butter the outside, add your favorite cheese, and grill until golden brown. Simple, but always satisfying!
Here’s a great recipe: Sourdough Grilled Cheese
14 Ways To Repurpose Common Kitchen Scraps
Most of us throw away heaps of kitchen scraps every week without a second thought. However, many of these leftovers, from eggshells to orange peels, have surprising uses that can save you money and reduce your household waste. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden, whip up some homemade cleaners, or add extra zest to your cooking, there’s a plethora of uses for what you might otherwise toss in the trash. Here are fourteen ingenious ways to repurpose common kitchen scraps into something spectacular.
Read it Here: 14 Ways To Repurpose Common Kitchen Scraps
21 Deliciously Clever Ways To Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Got leftover mashed potatoes and don’t know what to do with them? Don’t let them go to waste! There are so many creative and tasty ways to turn those leftovers into something amazing. From crispy potato cakes to savory shepherd’s pie, here are some great recipes to help you make the most of your mashed potatoes.
Read it Here: 21 Deliciously Clever Ways To Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
