Smart Ideas to Use Stale or Leftover Bread

Having leftover bread is a very common in many households. When it starts turning dry and stale, all you can think of is throwing it away. Don’t do that! That piece of old, stale bread still has a lot to offer. The great thing about this tasty staple is its versatility, it’s so good when it’s fresh and still very useful when it’s past its due date. In fact, there are many amazing recipes that demand that the bread be stale. So, if you don’t have any stale bread at home, pop by to your local bakery in Newtonville, ask for any bread leftover from the day before, and follow these yummy recipes Great Harvest of Newtonville has enlisted for you. If bread really is your passion, you might be interested in learning some fun facts about this versatile food.

Simple Ideas to Use Stale Bread

Breadcrumbs

Who needs to buy breadcrumbs if you can make your own? All you need to do is food-process some of the stale bread really finely and then some a little bit coarsely. After that, simply lay out the crumbs in a tray and let them dry overnight and you’re set. Store the breadcrumbs in an airtight container.

Croutons

Croutons are great over salads and soups, and they can easily be seasoned with herbs for extra flavor. You need to dice the bread in your desired size (1cm or 3cm), or go rustic and tear the bread in thumb-sized pieces. Toast them in the oven and you’re done. You can season them with woody herbs, garlic, or powdered chili before you toast them. You can even sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese while they’re still warm.

Crusty Bread

You know how some bread is just super crunchy? It’s very simple to achieve that crunchy finish when you’re baking your own bread. Instead of dusting the bottom of the tray with flour to prevent sticking, use those fine breadcrumbs you made. The breadcrumbs will give the bread the extra crunch and prevent it from sticking to the tray. If you're not much into baking your own bread, don't worry! Get your fresh bakery bread from Great Harvest of Newtonville. Whether you choose to eat it soft or wait until it's gone stale, it's up to you.  Call them at (617) 928-1162 to learn about their healthy bread options.

Toast

Another option is to make toast.  Slice your bread loaf into thin slices and pop it into the oven just until it looks a little bit golden. Store your toast in an airtight container. You can use it for open-faced sandwiches or to make canapés. You can also use them as croutons.

Stuffing

Stuffing is the most obvious choice for stale bread. It doesn’t have to be a holiday dish, you can make it as a side for any type of poultry or fish. It can mix perfectly with many different flavors like: broccoli, squash, sausage, nuts, dried berries, and more. In fact, you should try this Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing recipe:

• 1 box stuffing mix (use your seasoned croutons)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Place 2 cups of the stuffing mix (or croutons) in a microwave safe bowl. Add ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons of butter and stir. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the dried cranberries and walnuts and cook for a little bit on the stove.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Dry bread is perfect for giving a grilled sandwich that crispy crust.Find out more about the art of making the perfect grilled cheese or simply butter and grill both sides of the bread before adding the cheese. Your sandwiches will be extra crispy and melty.

French Toast

Stale bread is ideal for French toast. It’s actually the preferred bread state for this sweet meal. You can try out this recipe:

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 8 slices of stale bread, sliced 1- inch thick
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• Pinch of salt

1. Whisk the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and sugar until completely incorporated.
2. Place four slices of bread in the egg mix and let them soak for about a minute. Turn them over to soak for another minute.
3. Melt one tablespoon of butter on a pan, completely coating the bottom. Take one piece of the soaked bread and lift it to drip any excess. Lay the bread slices in the pan. Flip them over after a few minutes. The bread should look golden or brown, don’t let it get burned.
4. Repeat the process with the other four slices.

For toppings you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, powdered sugar, honey, nuts, or fresh fruit.

Get Your Bread From the Best Bakery in Newtonville

Great Harvest of Newtonville has a delicious variety of fresh and nutritious bread…and they have cookies too! Next time you���re looking for a bakery fresh loaf of bread or a tasty and sweet treat, head to Great Harvest of Newtonville. Give them a call at (617) 928-1162 to learn about their monthly-changing menu.