9 Easy Ways to Repurpose Stale Bread Into Mouthwatering Dishes

Got stale bread sitting around? Don’t toss it just yet! Stale bread can be the secret ingredient for a variety of delicious dishes. From crunchy croutons to comforting bread pudding, there are plenty of ways to repurpose it into something tasty. These 9 easy ideas will help you transform that leftover loaf into a meal worth savoring—no recipe needed!

Homemade Croutons

Croutons are small, crunchy cubes of bread often used to add texture to salads and soups. Dice stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs, then bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until crispy.
Time: 15 minutes | Temperature: 375°F.

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a classic dessert made by soaking bread in a sweet, custard-like mixture and baking it. Tear the bread into pieces, soak it in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes until golden and set.
Time: 40 minutes | Temperature: 350°F.

French Toast

French toast is a popular breakfast dish in which bread slices are soaked in a sweetened egg mixture and then fried. To make it, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Then, dip slices of bread in the egg mixture and then fry until golden brown.
Time: 15 minutes.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are finely ground bread used as a coating for fried foods or as a topping. Pulse stale bread in a food processor until fine crumbs form, then toast them lightly in a pan for extra flavor.
Time: 5 minutes.

Meatballs

Meatballs are small, seasoned balls of ground meat, often held together with breadcrumbs. Mix bread crumbs with ground meat, eggs, and your favorite seasonings, then shape into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or fry for 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
Time: 20-25 minutes (baking), 10-15 minutes (frying) | Temperature: 375°F

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella is a Tuscan salad made with stale bread, fresh vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette. Toss cubes of stale bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful dish.
Time: 15 minutes.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a savory side dish made by spreading bread with garlic butter and baking it until crispy. To make it, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Spread the butter mixture on bread, then bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Time: 10 minutes | Temperature: 375°F.

Bread Pizza

Bread pizza is a quick snack in which bread slices are topped like pizza and baked. Top slices of stale bread with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time: 15 minutes | Temperature: 400°F.

Stuffed Bread Rolls

Stuffed bread rolls are a delicious snack or appetizer made by filling bread with savory ingredients and baking them until golden. Flatten slices of stale bread, add your favorite filling, such as cheese, sautéed veggies, or cooked meat, and roll them up. Brush with butter and bake until golden and crisp, or enjoy fresh.
Time: 15 minutes | Temperature: 375°F.