10 Surprising Uses for a Slice of Bread
When we think of uses for a slice of bread, we commonly think of sandwiches or toast. But, there are alternative ways to use a slice of bread. If your loaf isn’t as soft as it once was, you can use day-old bread in a number of different ways. From casseroles to bread crumbs to desserts, check out these creative uses for leftover bread.
1. Breakfast Casseroles
Start your day off right with this Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Dried, cubed bread crumbs make the base of this delicious breakfast. Each serving is packed with 21 grams of protein, whole grains and vegetables, keeping you full until lunchtime. Alternatively, use slices of bread in this Ham & Swiss Breakfast Casserole.
Or, try French Toast Casserole. We have three different versions to please any palate.
- Mixed Berry French Toast Casserole
- Classic Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
2. Panzanella Salad
Panzanella Salad is a great way to use leftover bread and fresh produce like cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions.
3. Homemade Croutons
It’s easy to make your own croutons from day-old bread. Simply cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until golden brown. Serve over lettuce salad or on top of soup.
4. Breadcrumb Topping
To make breadcrumb topping, pulse together in a food processor several slices of bread with a tablespoon of butter. Then sprinkle on casseroles, roasted veggies or mashed potatoes just before they go in the oven for a rich, crispy finish.
5. Breadcrumbs as a Thickener
Breadcrumbs may used as a thickener in meatballs and sloppy joe mixture. Try substituting bread crumbs for the bulgur in these Sloppy Joes. Or, make these Four-Way Baked Mini Meatballs and use them for meatball pizzas, Meatball Subs, meatballs and pasta, or meatball soup.
6. French Bread Pizza
Toasted bread makes a delicious pizza crust. Top bread with pizza toppings and bake until edges are brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. French Bread Pizza can even be prepared ahead and stored int he freezer until ready to bake.
7. Bruschetta
Sliced baguettes make wonderful Bruschetta. You can also toast slices of bread to top with Bruschetta. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place slices of bread on baking sheet and toast each side about 5 minutes.
8. Appetizer Pinwheels
For appetizer pinwheels: remove crusts from bread slices then spread on herb-flavored cream cheese, sprinkle on shredded carrots or other finely diced veggies, roll up and cut into 1” slices.
9. Oven-Baked Cheeseburgers
Hungry for burgers, but out of hamburger buns? This Oven-Baked Cheeseburgers recipe is a great way to use up day-old bread. Easy and delicious, this recipe will be a family favorite!
10. Bread Pudding Dessert
With the addition of a few simple ingredients, cubed or torn bread can be made into a scrumptious Apple Bread Pudding dessert.
