This post was originally published on March 14, 2013.
Most of us always have bread in the house and whether it's home-baked or store-bought, we seem to keep getting leftover bread. Have you ever caught yourself staring at a stale bread that you can't afford to throw away?
Leftover bread can be used. Here are what I find the best suggestions to convert them into something new and delicious.
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Bake it one more time
If you have more than just a few slices left, spritz the surface of the loaf with a little water and bake it in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes. You can spread margarine on both sides of the slices and sprinkle it with brown sugar before baking or toasting. Everyone loves buttered-toasted bread. You can toast, bake, and broil using a toaster oven.
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Make a Tasty French Toast
This is a lovely leftover bread idea any time of the day. Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla, and pour over your leftover bread slices. You may cook right away or soak for a few minutes, then fry in butter on a griddle or fry pan. Serve plain, with peanut butter, jam, fresh fruit, or maple syrup.  |
I like eating mine as is with the taste of the bread soaked in milk and egg (I don't use vanilla). This is already very gratifying.
Looking for a floppy and tender on the inside but deliciously brown on the outside? Try this amazing French Toast recipe from Simply Recipes.
Consider even heating for the perfect French toast and grilled cheese sandwiches. Ever heard of Lodge Reversible Grill and Griddle? Cast iron cooking is truly timeless.
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Or Bread Pudding (My Favorite!)
Pudding...pudding...pudding, my growing-up bread! 😀 
With a mother who's so fond of bread puddings, I have become a master of soaking leftover bread in a creamy mixture of milk. Sometimes I make a layer of slices of the old bread in a casserole dish and pour lots of milk on the bread before putting them in the oven. You will love custardy and eggy finished puddings out of these bread pieces.
Would you like a fruity tasting bread pudding recipe?
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Make Your Own Breadcrumbs
Drop chunks of hardened leftover bread to a food processor or blender then whir. There you go...breadcrumbs your style!
Drop chunks of hardened leftover bread to a food processor or blender then whir. There you go...breadcrumbs your style!
Store them in the freezer and enjoy ready cups of crumbs when you need them. You may also toast the old bread then grind and store it in an airtight container. Use as topping for just about any dessert you can think of. Experts suggest Cuisinart food processor for a processing power you can trust.
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Enjoy Croutons
If you're fond of croutons, then it's another way to use up leftover bread. Croutons are perfect for green salads and garnishing. 
Spruce Eats share this Tossed Salad Recipe with homemade crunchy croutons flavored with garlic and herb.
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Use It to Thicken Soups
I'm sure your grandmother told you about using leftover bread to thicken soups. She's right!
Simply throw in a few chunks to add body to the soup. If you haven't done this, try making puree soups with bread. You will be amazed you don't actually need cream to make creamy soups.
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To Make Meatballs, Too!
Last but not least... use them for meatballs!
Last but not least... use them for meatballs!
How interesting that leftover or "stale" bread acts as a binder for any kind of shaped meat dishes like meatballs. The bread absorbs any extra liquid and holds the meat together through cooking.
Like the Swiss, you too can dip old bread in melted cheese.
If you don't have time to do all of these, just pack leftover bread in a freezer container and freeze. It thaws in a few minutes by the time you would need them, then choose any of the above. For as long as you're willing to save your leftover bread, all things work fine.
Courtesy photo/Emiliano Vittoriosi
Courtesy photo/Emiliano Vittoriosi