4 Recipe Ideas for Using Day Old Bread

Looking for recipe ideas for using day old bread?

It seems like in these strange and uncertain times of social distancing more and more people are adopting the homesteader mentality.

For starters, I’ve noticed a lot folks baking bread at home, and for good reason. It's a great way to pass the time at home (one can only do so many jigsaw puzzles) while also helping to avoid a trip to the grocery store. Besides, homemade bread just tastes better than store-bought.

Side note: if you need an easy beginner bread recipe check out this no-knead crusty loaf post.

All of this bread making inevitably leads to a dilemma. You can't eat the whole loaf in one day, but you don't want to throw out what you cant finish. Now, you know I’m all about minimizing food waste, so read on for 4 recipe ideas for using day old bread.

1) Croutons 

Croutons are probably one of the first recipe ideas for using day old bread that comes to mind. Its quick, easy and only takes a few ingredients you probably have on hand. 

Ingredients:

• 6 Cups cubed bread
• 7 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
• 1/4 Cup parmigiano reggiano cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Cut bread into cubes.
3. Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the cheese and seasonings. Toss to evenly coat. 
4. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet.  
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Let cool and enjoy!

2) Crisps

Crisps are ideal for using up that baguette that’s a couple of days old. These toasted baguette crisps go perfect with hummus. 

Ingredients:

• 1 bagette
• 4 Tbsp melted butter 
• Salt and Pepper 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Slice baguette into 1/4” slices at a diagonal angle .
3. Arrange slices in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
4. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned and toasted.
6. Let cool and enjoy!

3) Stuffing 

Stuffing is a fantastic way to use day old bread. If you don't already have favorite recipe, here is mine for vegetarian stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 Stalks celery, diced 
• 1 Onion, diced 
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1.5 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 8 Cups bread, cubed
• 2-3 Cups vegetable broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Next, add onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms and continue to cook until mushrooms are browned, ~10 minutes.
4. Next, add the celery and herbs, salt and pepper and mix together.
5. Finally, add the bread cubes to the saucepan with the vegetables and herbs and stir.
6. Gradually pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan and continue to stir until everything is well mixed.
7. Spread stuffing evenly in a greased 9x13 casserole dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, top should be browned. 
9. Enjoy!

4) Bread crumbs

This one is super easy. Breadcrumbs are a really handy ingredient to have. We use them in everything from meatballs to mac and cheese to fish. 

Ingredients:

1 loaf of day old bread 

Directions:

1. Tear off small chunks of bread and place in the food processor.
2. Then, pulse until the crumbs are your desired size.
3. Store breadcrumbs in a ziplock bag or Tupperware in the refrigerator. Use within the next few months.

This works best if the bread is completely dried out. You can do this by drying it out in the oven at a very low temperature ~200°F. Check every 10 minutes and remove when lightly toasted.