What to Do With Leftover Bread: 5 Tasty Ideas
Don't throw out that half a loaf going stale — turn it into something delicious instead.
Five simple, tasty ways to use up leftover or slightly stale bread instead of throwing it away, from croutons to a warm bread pudding.
Bread going a little stale on the counter doesn't have to go in the trash. In fact, slightly old bread works even better in some recipes than fresh bread. Here are five easy ways to use it up.
1. Homemade Croutons
Cut the bread into cubes, toss with a little oil and salt, and bake until golden and crunchy. Perfect on top of salads or soup.
2. French Toast
Dip slices in a mix of egg, milk, and a little cinnamon, then fry in butter until golden on both sides. Slightly dry bread actually soaks up the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
3. Bread Crumbs
Tear the bread into pieces, let it dry out fully, then blend it into crumbs. Keep them in the freezer and use them anytime a recipe calls for breadcrumbs.
4. A Simple Bread Pudding
Tear the bread into a baking dish, pour over a mix of milk, eggs, sugar, and a little vanilla, then bake until set. It's a warm, comforting dessert made almost entirely from something you were about to toss.
5. Grilled Cheese or Toast
Sometimes the simplest answer is the best one. A little butter, a hot pan, and some cheese turns leftover bread into a satisfying snack or lunch.
Next time you spot a half-used loaf on the counter, try one of these instead of reaching for the trash can.