The Canny Lass

I must admit, bread is not something we usually need to use up. I live with a teenage son who eats me out of house and home and loaves of bread are practically inhaled by him.

However, on the rare occasions there are stale slices of bread left over, it’s always good to know what to do with them.

Here are some old-fashioned ways of using leftover bread up.

Croutons

I must admit I’m not a huge fan of croutons. I find them hard and a bit meh. However, for those of you who do like them, here’s what to do: cut up your stale bread into cubes, mix with a tablespoon of olive or other oil, some garlic and some herbs and then bake in a medium oven until they are crispy. Add to salads or to put on top of soups, such as onion soup.

Bread Pudding

I grew up eating bread pudding and I still love it. It’s an easy way of making a delicious dish out of bread that’s past its best. Cut slices of stale bread into triangles. Soak in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar or spices. Layer the bread into an over proof dish and bake in a medium oven for 30 minutes. My mum used to also put in a couple of tablespoons of sultanas or raisins for added yumminess. Here’s Delia Smith’s recipe for Bread Pudding.

You can also do a savoury version using cheese and herbs. I found this recipe that you might like to try.

French Toast

Who doesn’t love French Toast (also known as Eggy bread)? I do it the simple way: I take two slices of white bread (it doesn’t work so well with brown bread) and dip each side in a mixture of two whipped large eggs. Fry the slices of bread in oil in a frying pan until each side is brown and delicious.

I have my French toast as a savoury, but many people like to dip the bread in eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla before frying. Then they serve them with fruit. If that’s you, here’s a lovely recipe here.

Breadcrumbs

Stale bread blended or grated can be used as a base for meatballs, meatloaf or stuffing. You can also use it for a crispy coating for fish/chicken or for casseroles. Simply put them in a blender and blend. Or grate them with a grater – be careful you don’t grate your fingers as well! Put in a freezer bag and freeze until needed.

Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)

You can also use up stale bread in the Italian classic Pappa al Pomodoro. Add it to a rich tomato broth and simmer. Recipe here.

Garlic Bread

Spread garlic butter (consisting of a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley) on stale bread, then toast it for an easy garlic bread side.

Bruschetta

For another Italian favourite, toast slices of stale bread and top with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a tasty appetizer.

Bread Crust Pizza

Did you know that you can use stale bread to make mini pizza? Take the bread slices, top with a tomato sauce, grated cheese, and toppings of your choice, then bake.

Bread Smoothies

I’ve not tried this, but apparently you can make smoothies by mixing bits of stale bread with fruits and milk or yogurt to create a unique smoothie with a thicker texture. If anyone has done this, please let me know.

Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)

Mix chunks of stale bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, basil, olive oil, and vinegar to make a refreshing bread salad.

Bread Chips

Cut stale bread into thin slices, season with olive oil, salt and your favourite herbs, then bake until crispy for homemade bread chips.

If anyone has any other ideas for using up stale bread, let me know! I’d love to hear your ideas.

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