Best Uses of Day Old Bread

Often times there will be significant leftover bread from a grand feast from the day earlier. Or perhaps there are several remnants of French bread from the sandwich deli platters. Don't throw away this bread in haste. Having excess bread is more of a blessing than a burden since so many household recipes begin with day old bread or breadcrumbs. Consider five great uses of re-using leftover bread.

Best Uses of day old bread - Bread Pudding

If there is an extra baguette or two available, then there is the base to make a tasty bread pudding dish. Bread pudding is nothing more than a compilation of bread, eggs, milk, and some tasty accents of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There are several variations of bread pudding that include adding dried fruits and sweet sauces such as caramel.

Best Uses of Day Old Bread - Bruschetta

One very popular appetizer dish often enjoyed on many back patios and decks during tomato harvest season is bruschetta. This treat involves small cuts of French or Italian bread that is lightly toasted with a little olive oil and perhaps Italian seasonings sprinkled on top. The toast points or rounds are then topped with a relish of freshly cut plum tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and maybe a little baby mozzarella or gorgonzola cheese. This tasty appetizer will use up the leftover bread in no time.

Best Uses of Day old bread - bread crumbs

If the amount of leftover bread is too low to prepare anything significant, refrain from throwing it away. Dry the bread out further or toast it in the oven slightly. Pour the toasted bread into a food processor and grind up into bread crumbs. These bread crumbs will store for a few weeks and be a great coating for chicken and pork chops. Consider putting bread crumbs into freezer bags for longer term storage.

Best Uses of Day Old Bread - Croutons

Take the leftover bread loaf and cut into small cubes. The cubes can then be tossed into a bowl with a little oil and seasonings which include garlic salt and dried Italian herbs. The croutons are then lightly baked in the oven for a few minutes and can be stored for a little while in an airtight container for future salads and soups.

Best Uses of Day Old Bread - French Bread Pizza

If the bread is still somewhat soft from the prior day's use, consider making French bread pizzas for the family. The bread can be cut lengthwise in half. Remove some of the bread core and apply sauce, pizza toppings and cheese. When making French bread pizzas consider enlisting the help of the entire family to make the time in the kitchen more entertaining.