Here are several great recipes that specifically use stale bread. Pick the one you like, or I can give more!
1. Classic Bread Pudding (Sweet)
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: raisins, nuts, chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Toss in bread and let soak 10–15 min.
- Transfer to greased baking dish.
- Bake 35–45 min until set and golden.
2. Savory Strata (Breakfast Casserole)
Ingredients
- 4–5 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1½ cups milk
- 5 eggs
- Salt, pepper
- 1–2 cups cheese
- Add-ins: sautéed veggies, ham, bacon, spinach, mushrooms
Instructions
- Layer bread + fillings in baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper.
- Pour over bread until covered.
- Let soak 10+ minutes (or overnight).
- Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes.
3. Garlic Croutons
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2–4 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Toss everything together.
- Spread on baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, stirring once.
4. Homemade Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Tear stale bread into chunks.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until very dry.
- Pulse in a blender/food processor.
- Add Italian seasoning if desired.
5. Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions
- Olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper
- Basil
Instructions
- Toss bread with chopped vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil + vinegar.
- Let it sit 15 minutes to soften.
6. French Toast
Use slightly stale slices—they soak up custard perfectly.
Basic formula:
1 egg + ⅓ cup milk + pinch cinnamon per 2 slices of bread.
Dip, cook in butter, and serve.
7. Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)
If you liked the previous recipe, stale bread is ideal for this traditional dish.
8. Ribollita (Tuscan Bread Soup)
A hearty vegetable + stale bread soup.
Method: Add torn stale bread to vegetable soup during the last 10 minutes until thickened.
If you want, I can turn your stale bread into a quick dessert, savory dinner, or snack.
Which direction do you want?
