From Stale to Stellar: 6 ideas to transform stale bread

Everyone loves a fresh loaf of bread. With butter knives at the ready, it's so easy to cut a slice and dive right in. But what happens when, a few days later, you go to slice yourself a piece and find a dry, hard loaf? You might grumble in frustration, and head for the trash can. But wait! While fresh bread is fantastic, some of the best bread recipes are made with, you guessed it, stale bread! Here are some of the best ways you can extend the life of your loaf and create some delicious dishes.

Croutons: Stale bread is perfect for making homemade croutons. Tear or cube the bread into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and herbs (if desired), then bake until golden. Enjoy with your favorite soup or salad.

Crostini: Have you ever wished for a stop between bread and cracker? Well, crostini are the answer. Simply slice your bread into thin pieces, brush them with olive oil, and bake until they're super crisp. They should go past the toast station and be headed for crackerville. Top your crostini with your favorite dip, cheese, meats, or veggies.

Bread Crumbs: Stale bread can be easily transformed into breadcrumbs. Start by toasting bread slices in your oven until dry, but not browned. Tear into small pieces (remove any hard crusts) and place into a food processor, then pulse until you have fine crumbs. You can season them with salt, herbs, or spices if desired. 

Panzanella: Panzanella is an Italian bread salad that's perfect for using up stale bread. Toss cubes of bread with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dish is ideal for a refreshing and hearty summer meal.

Bread Pudding: A comfort dessert like no other, stale bread is the key to creating a great bread pudding. Combine the bread with a custard mixture and flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, raisins, or nuts, then bake until golden brown.

French Toast: Stale bread is ideal for making French toast. Dip slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and your choice of spices, then cook in a hot skillet until golden with a slight crisp. Top with syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.

At the end of the day, a half-eaten loaf of bread should never meet the unceremonious fate of the trash can. The practice of making bread has spanned centuries, and throughout that time, folks have discovered countless ways to make the most of every slice.