10 Uses For Leftover Bread

Bread is a staple in many diets around the world, but it’s not uncommon to find yourself with leftovers that are beginning to go stale. Instead of tossing out your leftover bread, give it a second life with these ten inventive and practical uses.

1. Breadcrumbs

One of the most popular ways to repurpose stale bread is by turning it into breadcrumbs. Simply tear or cut the bread into smaller pieces and pulse in a food processor until you achieve the desired consistency. These homemade breadcrumbs can be used for coating fried foods, topping casseroles, or as a binder in meatballs and burgers.

2. Croutons

Give your salads and soups a crunchy upgrade with homemade croutons. Cut the bread into cubes, toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake in the oven until golden and crispy. Store them in an airtight container for a ready-to-use addition to your meals.

3. Bread Pudding

Turn your leftover slices into a sweet or savory bread pudding. For a sweet version, mix cubed bread with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, and bake until set. Add fruits or nuts for extra texture and flavor. Savory versions can include cheese, vegetables, and herbs.

4. French Toast

Stale bread is perfect for French toast since it absorbs the egg mixture very well without falling apart. Whip up this classic breakfast dish by soaking your bread in a combination of beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla before frying to perfection.

5. Panade

A panade is a thickener made from stale bread and liquid. It can improve the texture and flavor of dishes like meatloaf and meatballs. Soak the bread in milk or broth until it becomes paste-like, then mix into your recipe for added moisture and body.

6. Soup Thickener

Add thickness to your soups and stews by incorporating leftover bread. As the bread breaks down, it helps to create a richer, more cohesive broth. This trick works great for recipes like ribollita or classic tomato soup.

7. Gazpacho

This chilled Spanish soup traditionally includes stale bread as one of its key ingredients. Blend tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and your leftover bread to make this refreshing summertime dish.

8. Stuffing

Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a comforting side dish, stuffing is another fantastic way to use leftover bread. Cube and dry out your bread before mixing with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and broth, then bake until it’s deliciously golden.

9. Bread Crumbs for Thickening

Finely ground stale bread makes an excellent thickener for sauces and gravies. The fine crumbs dissolve better than flour, giving your sauces a smooth texture without any lumps.

10. Dessert Toppings

Toast thin slices of leftover bread with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a simple dessert topping. This can be crumbled over ice cream, yogurt, or even used in layered parfait desserts for added crunch and sweetness.

Leftover bread doesn’t need to be wasted. With these ten uses, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also add variety to your cooking repertoire. From toppings to thickeners to main dishes, the versatility of stale bread is truly remarkable.