Bread, a staple food that has played an important role in cuisines around the world for centuries. But how often does it happen that we buy a whole loaf of bread and then end up with a few slices that are slowly getting old? Instead of throwing them away, there are countless creative ways for using these leftover bread slices. Here are 8 clever ways to give new life to leftover bread:
Croutons
Cut old bread into small pieces, drizzle with olive oil and spices to taste (such as garlic powder, paprika and salt). Bake in the oven until crispy and golden brown. Perfect as a topping for soups and salads.
Breadcrumbs
Grind old bread into fine crumbs in a food processor. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer and use them later as breadcrumbs to breadcrumb chicken, fish or vegetables.
Bread pudding
A classic dessert that breathes new life into old bread. Soak slices of bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla extract. Bake in the oven until firm and golden brown. Serve with a dash of vanilla sauce for a delicious treat.
Bread soup
Incorporate stale bread into a savoury soup or tasty meal soup like tom kha kai or gazpacho. The bread adds texture and flavour to the soup and ensures that nothing goes to waste.
Panini
Make tasty paninis with leftover bread, cheese, cold cuts and vegetables. Place the filled sandwiches in a panini press or grill pan until crispy and hot.
Bread pizza
Use slices of old bread as a base for mini pizzas. Spread them with tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese and top with your favourite toppings. Bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Bread crackers
Cut old bread into thin slices, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and herbs. Bake in the oven until crispy. Perfect for dipping in hummus, guacamole or a creamy cheese spread.
With these creative ways for using leftover bread, you’ll never have to feel guilty about wasting food again. So the next time you have a few slices of old bread lying around, you’ll know exactly what to do with it!