We've all encountered that unfortunate loaf of bread,
or extra rolls, that have gone slightly stale. But don't let it go to waste – stale bread can be repurposed.
Here are five of my favorite organized ways to make the most of stale
bread:
1. Croutons for Crunchy Salads and Soups: Stale bread is the secret to crafting the perfect croutons for your salads and soups. Slice the bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, herbs, and spices of your choice, and bake until golden and crisp.
2. Flavorful French Toast: Quickly dip (don't soak) bread slices into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla or cinnamon. Cook the soaked slices on a hot griddle until they're golden brown on both sides.
3. Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Stale bread is the ideal foundation for making your own bread crumbs, which can be used as a coating for fried or baked foods. Grind the bread into crumbs using a food processor, spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-18 minutes, tossing halfway.
Remove from oven and, while still warm, season with herbs and spices. Once completely cool, store the crumbs in an airtight container for future use.
Homemade dried bread crumbs can be stored in the pantry for up to two weeks or frozen for about 4 months.
4. Garlic Bread: A lot of my day-old bread is quickly turned into garlic bread. Slice up the bread, add a drizzle of olive oil, fresh chopped garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper...and broil for a few minutes. Yum!
5. Revitalizing
Bread Salad: Create a hearty panzanella salad by combining stale bread with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. As the bread soaks up the flavorful juices from the dressing and the vegetables, it becomes a flavorful salad!
Of course, none of the above applies to super-old and/or moldy bread. These tips are for homemade bread within 3 days or store-bought bread within 7 days.
So, don't throw your hard-earned money into the trash bin. These five organized ideas will help you use up every crumb of the bread you purchased.
P.S. Do you have creative ways to use up stale bread? Reply to this newsletter and let me know. I'll include your ideas in a future newsletter!
