Philosophers have long posited that it’s our capacity for abstract thought, creativity, and language that makes us human, but I’d like to argue that it’s our capacity to make bread. Yes, bread; the very bedrock of society, the foundation of nearly all cultures, found globally in every shape, size, color, and flavor imaginable, is the true demarcation between man and beast. Archaeological evidence from over 30,000 years ago, places flour, believed to have been made into unleavened flatbread, on our timeline.
A Bevvy of Breads
That’s all to say, bread is very important. And, for all its permutations, bread is still evolving, even after emerging from the oven. Leftover, excess, or “stale” bread, to those less resourceful, is simply primed for its next permutation. Before we consider recipes, let’s not forget the basics. There’s no excuse for tossing a day-old loaf when you could transform it into:
- Breadcrumbs
- Croutons
- Crackers
- Soup thickener
The Upper Crust
Basic culinary know-how and rudimentary techniques honor bread’s enduring utility. For the more industrious, there’s no such thing as too much bread. Embrace your own humanity, and embrace bread. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions for reviving old loaves, and more.
Best Recipes To Use Up Stale Bread
There's no such thing as too much bread! Revive old loaves, flatbreads, and more with this diverse range of sweet and savory recipes.
Sweet & Simple French Toast
When I first attempted French toast, it was still very early in my "career" as a vegan. Because I had yet to really move into my element in the kitchen, my whole family remained dubious of what could be done without milk or eggs. Still, I persevered and came up with this impossibly buttery, eggy, cinnamon-scented rendition with ease. All it took was one mouthful of this delicious dish for my skeptical loved ones to start thinking about veganism in an entirely different way.
Savory Tex-Mex French Toast
Warm notes of chili peppers, tangy tomato, rich cumin, and savory oregano infuse this savory coconut milk-based take on French toast. A crisp sear on the outside locks in a rich, savory custard interior, a perfectly proportional contrast to delight the taste buds.
Caesar Soup
Get all the great flavors of Caesar salad in a creamy spoonful! A light starter, bright with sharp acidity, it’s an excellent way to kick off any meal. Chilled, the flavors have more time to meld and harmonize, but warm, it soothes the soul and takes the edge off a brisk day.
Chicago Dog Garden Salad
Think outside the hot dog bun! Sliced thinly, crispy around the edges, tender in the center, meatless franks take on a toothsome quality not unlike thick-cut Canadian bacon. All the classic vegetable additions of a Chicago-style dog are accounted for, multiplied to fill the plate with abundance. Finish it off with a drizzle of mustard-infused poppy seed dressing for the full effect.
Fattoush Salad
Fattoush is the best thing to happen since stale bread. Dried out pita gets new life as crispy croutons in this fresh, veggie-packed salad. Serve it as a side or an entree, at lunch or dinner, with or without fanfare. It's pretty spectacular in an understated sort of way.
Curried Naan Panzanella
Lightly toasting chewy naan bread to a crisp exterior and bestowing it with a golden
curry dressing, this combination is unbeatable for summertime savoring, and well beyond. Feel free to expand upon the vegetable inclusions based on what you have available, or go crazy with your own creative add-ins.
Medianoche Panzanella
Turning the classic midnight sandwich into a salad is a snap! Crisply toasted bread is tossed together with meatless franks instead of ham, along with sweet pickles. vegan cheese, and a tangy mustard dressing. You'll want to eat this new rendition at all hours of the day.
California Dreamin' Panzanella
Juicy summer fruit join cubes of tangy sourdough bread for a light, fresh, and fast seasonal treat. Adapt and customize your blend to feature what's ripe in your local markets.
Lahmacun
Homemade lahmacun is a real treat for all the senses. Aromatic, crunchy, savory, rich, herbaceous, and simply satisfying, it hits all the high notes as a perfect snack or light meal.
Avocado Toast Soup
Transform overripe avocados into a luscious chilled soup, inspired by avocado toast! Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, it's a taste of luxury on a budget.
Garlic Bread Soup
For those who love garlic, garlic bread soup is the ultimate quick fix comfort food. Spoon into this rich, creamy stew that's ready in 10 minutes or less, from Real Food, Really Fast by Hannah Kaminsky.
Firfir
Spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting, this Ethiopian breakfast dish makes leftover injera taste even better than fresh. Soaked in berbere-spiked tomato sauce, it's quick to make, deeply flavorful, and highly nutritious.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Warm, creamy, and comforting, bread pudding is the perfect dessert to ward off those autumn chills while celebrating the season's bounty. It's a snap to customize depending on your preference; consider the spices as a mere suggestion, and a handful of nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit never hurt anything.
Hong Kong Toast Bites
Paying homage to the cafe culture, my miniature toast bites are topped with a snowy peak of whipped coconut creme and milk tea-infused caviar. By steeping the tapioca pearls in the tea itself, these tiny flavor bombs remove the need to guzzle down a full glass of liquid to achieve the same flavor sensation.
Southern Peach Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is capable of condensing unreasonable servings of bread into deceptively small portions, making the dessert ideally suited to this task. After the third or fourth forkful, the full slice equivalent will be the last thing on your mind, drowned out by the comforting scent of cinnamon and ginger, carried by a wave of succulent summer peaches.
Zucchini Bread Pudding Boats
Turn oversized zucchini into a stunning summer dessert with this creative twist on stuffed squash. Filled with spiced bread pudding and customizable mix-ins, it’s a delicious way to celebrate the season’s bounty.
Bread and Chocolate Slice
If you like bread and/or chocolate, together or separately, this is a recipe you should take for a spin. Crunchy croutons take the place of bland wafer cookies in this classic no-bake bar cookie. Accented with chocolate and hazelnuts, the whole mixture is bound with a dark, toasty caramel. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper sets this unique treat apart.