Have you at times forgotten you’ve had half a loaf of bread lying in the pantry only to buy another one and realize later once it had gone stale? Well, if you’ve done this, trust me, you’re not the only one!
There are many reasons why you can have stale bread at home – maybe you’ve bought too much and couldn’t consume it, maybe you bought it closer to the date of expiry and didn’t realize it, maybe you’ve forgotten about the bread lying in the pantry and the reasons are many!
Well, bread is bread and there’s always use for it. So, how about you put the bread to use! Don’t know how? Check out the many ways you can reuse stale bread below in this article.
10 Ways To Reuse Stale Bread:
1. You can freeze the bread
If you don’t yet have a use for your stale bread, toss it in a zip-top bag and freeze it for later. Leave room in the bag to add future stale bread.
2. Use it to make breadcrumbs
Use it to make breadcrumbs. Simply, dry out bread slices on a baking sheet at your oven’s lowest temperature. Grind dry bread in a food processor and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
3. Turn them into croutons for soup
Cut your stale bread into cubes and toss it with olive oil and herbs and spices. Spread on baking sheet and toast in the oven on a low temperature until golden brown. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
4. You can refresh the bread before consumption
Place the bread in a dampened paper bag and baking in a 300°f oven for 3 minutes. This will help revive it.
5. Use it in multiple recipes
You can use bread that is a day or two old for French toast, bruschetta, bread pudding, french onion soup, stuffing, stratas, meatloaf, and panzanella- and it makes excellent grilled cheese sandwiches.
6. Can be used to thicken soups
Toss a slice of stale bread into blended soups to add texture. It will help your soup gain a lovely texture and thicken well.
7. You can use to dip it in fondues and sauces
Use stale bread pieces for dipping in fondue or other sauces. It holds way better than fresh bread.
8. Use it to keep your vegetables fresh
Add in a piece of state bread in the crisper drawer helps absorb moisture and keep vegetables fresh. Replace every day or two.
9. You can feed your plants with stale bread
You can add breadcrumbs for moisture and nutrients to potting or garden soil. Dry stale bread in the oven, grind to create fine breadcrumbs, then mix into soil.
10. Make treats for your dogs
Mix 1⁄2 cup stale breadcrumbs with 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2/3 cup water, and 6 tbsp. Oil. Roll out, cut out shapes with a cookie cutter, and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in a 350°f oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
How To Store Bread
Here’s How to Make Bread Last:
Fresh-Baked Bread:
- Wrap in a cloth napkin or towel then store in paper bag on the counter or in a breadbox.
- In case you cannot consume it all within 2-3 days, freeze a portion in an airtight plastic bag for up to 6 months.
Pre-Sliced Bread:
- Store it in a plastic bag and it may last for about 5-7 days on the counter or in a breadbox.
- If you store it in the freezer, it may last for up to 6 months, while still in good quality.