What to do with leftover bread

Preserving the freshness of bread is an art. To prevent it from going stale, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a bread bin or paper bag. If you're looking to lengthen its shelf life even further, consider freezing. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn - this is when your frozen goods are exposed to cold, dry air which causes dehydration. When you're ready, thaw and enjoy as if it's fresh from the oven.

Reviving stale bread can feel like magic. A tried-and-tested method is to lightly wet the bread and pop it into the oven; it emerges almost as fresh as day one. When it's too hard, you can soak your leftover loaf in milk and eggs and make French toast or blitz in the blender to create breadcrumbs. Remember, a little creativity can bring that loaf back to life.

01

French toast

A cherished dish with ancient roots, French Toast, known in France as "pain perdu" or "lost bread," skillfully gives stale bread a new lease on life. Historically, it was a clever way to salvage hard, uneaten bread, proving that bread isn't just for sandwiches. Modern variations embrace all types: be it white, baguette, brioche, or even sliced. What's enchanting is its simplicity. Milk, eggs, and optional dashes of cinnamon or vanilla create the soaking mixture. Can you use stale bread for French toast? Absolutely. Its firmness lends well, absorbing flavours without turning mushy. It's an easy recipe, ideal for using ingredients commonly found in your pantry. Pile on toppings like fruits or syrups, and you've got a breakfast that's both a trip down memory lane and an invitation for kids to join in. Perfect for leisurely weekends.

02

Bread and butter pudding

Originating from mediaeval England, bread and butter pudding has a history as rich as its taste. This dish, celebrated for turning stale or day-old bread into classic comfort food, employs a simple technique of layering buttered bread sprinkled with dried fruit, pouring over a custard mix, and baking. While it shares similarities with French toast, such as the transformative use of stale bread and the infusion of flavours like cinnamon and vanilla, bread and butter pudding  is oven-baked, creating a warm, custardy centre and a crispy top – a contrast to the pan-fried nature of French toast. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is a smart way to use up leftover bread and any leftover fruit to make a quick and budget-friendly dish.  So, when the next brunch or dessert dilemma arises, think: Bread and Butter Pudding

03

Breakfast casserole

In the heart of Spain, Migas is not just a dish; it's a tradition. Literally translating to "crumbs," this beloved Spanish breakfast casserole is a testament to the culinary brilliance of repurposing stale bread. Dotted with flavoursome accompaniments like chorizo and capsicums, Migas offers a tasty escape to the Spanish countryside with every bite. The sentiment of transforming weekday's leftover bread and leftover veggies into a weekend crowd pleaser is perfect for reducing waste, without needing to go to the grocery store.  So, when thinking of a hearty weekend breakfast, let stale bread be your canvas and a breakfast casserole your muse. 

04

Make croutons

A culinary invention designed to save stale bread from wastage, croutons have been gracing our soups and salads for centuries. These crunchy bread morsels emerged as a thrifty solution and evolved into a gastronomic delight. Their origins remain humble, but their appeal is universal. Mastering them? Quite simple, as this video showcases. Start with day-old bread. Dice into two sizes: 1cm for a delicate touch or 3cm for a hearty bite. Alternatively, tear into thumb-sized rustic chunks. Slow-bake in a low oven until they attain a delightful crunch. For an aromatic twist, marinate with crushed herbs, garlic, or even chilli before baking. The result? Perfect croutons ready to elevate any dish.

05

Breadcrumbs for coating

Elevate homemade nuggets, schnitzels, or even fish and chips by making your own breadcrumbs. It's an economical way to use up stale bread, as well as a method to ensure a superior crunch and flavour. Simply blitz your leftover bread – be it sliced, baguette, or even taco shells – in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. For coating, it's a three-step dance: First, dust your chicken or fish in flour, dip in egg, then generously roll in your breadcrumbs before baking. They're a perfect replacement for store-bought panko or breadcrumbs. And for dessert lovers? Pulse stale cake, muffins, cookies or banana bread and follow the same procedure for a sweet twist.

06

Topping for bakes

Breadcrumbs: A baker's golden sprinkle that enhances every dish. Imagine the crusty top of mac and cheese, a creamy oven-baked potato or crunchy schnitzels, and you'll agree: breadcrumbs make them better. But don't stop there. Breadcrumbs introduce a crunch to salads, pastas, and even dress up humble steamed vegetables for a vegetarian delight. How to achieve the perfect crumb? Pulse your day-old bread in a food processor for a coarse texture. For a flavour-packed twist, fry them in olive oil infused with crushed garlic and chilli flakes. Once golden, combine with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and a hint of lemon zest. Whether it's over pasta, salads, or veggies, this breadcrumb mix promises to elevate the ordinary to exceptional.

07

Dippers

When it comes to enhancing your meals, bread dippers are unsung heroes. These mini slices or chunks of bread are perfect companions for soups, eggs, and various dips. Got some bread scraps? Don’t let them go to waste. Revive those pieces with a touch of heat, add seasonings like garlic, herbs, or even cheese, and you've got yourself a crunchy, delectable bite that rivals any store-bought cracker. Whether it's dunking into a creamy soup, scooping up a rich egg yolk, or diving into a tangy dip, these revived bread dippers provide the perfect crunch and flavour. Bread doesn't just belong in sandwiches; it's here to elevate every course, one dip at a time.

08

Stuffing

There's nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly roasted turkey or chicken, stuffed with a fragrant, hearty blend. That day-old bread you've set aside after the seasonal festivities is the star ingredient for crafting the perfect stuffing.  By simply combining it with a mix of leftover nuts, dried fruits, or any other pantry essentials, you can transform bread into a tasty stuffing that adds depth and flavour to your poultry dishes. Don't limit yourself to just sandwiches; give your bread a new purpose. Enhance your feasts and create a stuffing that’s original and budget friendly. Watch our step-by-step guide on crafting the ideal stuffing.