Even bread is expensive these days, so you don't want to be wasting even a slice!
Do you have a family where nobody wants to eat the bread ends/crusts? Or maybe occasionally you find a loaf that's been forgotten for a few days, and isn't looking it's best anymore? Well here's some delicious ideas to use it up, that'll actually have you wishing you had stale bread!
French Toast
A bougie weekend brunch? Yes please! French toast is super easy, or versatile (make it sweet, or savoury).
Points for creativity if you used anything besides plain bread (I've made french toast with hot cross buns, and I can confirm it was very, very good)!
Monkey Bread
French Toast's baked cousin - This Monkey Bread might not look like much, but it sure is tasty! An easy brunch or dessert to please a crowd (So much easier to bake for lots of people instead of standing over a fry pan). This recipe calls for dinner rolls, but it'll work for any bread.
Coutons
Forget about the horrible, dry pre made croutons you've had, and upgrade your soups and salad with homemade ones!
I made these croutons from week old bread rolls. Chopped up, and popped them the oven with some butter, garlic and parmesan. They were the highlight of the meal!
Stuffing/Stuffing Balls
Bulk out your next roast dinner (and maybe sneak a few extra veges in) with stuffing or stuffing balls. I don't like the texture of traditional stuffing, but love that stuffing balls get crispy on the outside and stay soft on the inside. Here's a basic recipe, or if you've had a bit more time and ingredients use this one for a bit more flavour and a bit of veg. Flavours are endless really, just google some recipes for ideas.
Other Stale Bread Tips:
Make Bread Crumbs
Made correctly, you can store breadcrumbs for two months (or you can also freeze them). They make a great, crispy coating for meat (chicken drums, or chops) or a good way to bulk out things like fish cakes or meatballs, to make your meat go further.
Freshen Up a Stale Loaf
If you've got a loaf of bread (or rolls) that's a little stale (not so far that it's as hard as a rock) did you know you can run it under water quickly the pop it in the oven to warm up, ant it'll bring it back to life? Sounds weird, but it works a treat! and is a fantastic way to save an expensive loaf of bread!
Save Bread Ends/Crusts in the Freezer to Use Later
If you're not eating your bread ends/crusts each week, chuck them in the freezer, and after a few weeks you'll have enough for one of the ideas above! Saves throwing them out!