Don't throw out that stale bread! It's perfect for any of these leftover bread recipes, like French toast, strata, croutons and so much more.
1/34
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
A local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me, and it's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this French toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 621 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 350mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
2/34
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Old-fashioned but never out of style, this favorite pumpkin recipe was given to me by one of my dear aunts. —Lois Fetting, Nelson, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
3/34
French Toast Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 sticks: 183 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
4/34
Ranch Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it's easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
5/34
Frikadellen
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory German meatball patties are packed with flavor and taste delicious when served hot or cold. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 201 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
6/34
Homemade Croutons
From the Recipe Creator:
You can change up this basic homemade croutons recipe by substituting your favorite herbs and spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 110 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/34
Chicken and Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always enjoyed trying new recipes, and now that our children are grown, I have more time to do just that! —Anne Smith, Taylors, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 390 calories, 13g fat (0 saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/34
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 570 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
9/34
Chocolate Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 622 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 105g carbohydrate (79g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
10/34
Mustard Ham Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this at a bed-and-breakfast years ago. The owners were kind enough to give me the recipe, and I've made it many times since. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 198 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch.
11/34
Brioche French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a sweeter breakfast over savory, this brioche French toast will hit the spot. Using soft, buttery, sweet brioche bread instead of regular Texas toast creates a heavenly, decadent bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 437 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
12/34
Stuffed Duck
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I started with a basic bread stuffing, then began adding different things from my cupboard. This is the recipe I came up with. The stuffing disappears long before the bird is gone! —Joanne Callahan, Far Hills, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 606 calories, 44g fat (14g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
13/34
Crown Roast of Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
14/34
Vanilla French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 218 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
15/34
Butterscotch-Pecan Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Bread pudding fans just might hoard this yummy butterscotch version. Toppings like whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle make this dessert absolutely irresistible. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without whipped cream and butterscotch topping): 502 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
16/34
Chicken Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
The original old family recipe for this chicken casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 416 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
17/34
Oyster Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mother. She made it every Thanksgiving for my father, who absolutely loved it. —Amy Daniels, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 228 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
18/34
Apple Brown Betty Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
This apple brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 456 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
19/34
Banana Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
When I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this bread pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
20/34
Green Chile Brunch Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to make this ahead of time in a 13x9-inch pan. It is filling, is perfect for a crowd and helps out busy parents. —Trista Thinnes, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 503 calories, 34g fat (16g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
21/34
Baked French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
Any day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 297 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
22/34
Mainly Mushroom Beef Carbonnade
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the ultimate comfort food: an earth-and-turf combo that smells delicious while cooking and tastes like home. The mushrooms taste so meaty, you can decrease the amount of beef and add more portabellos if you like. —Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 333 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
23/34
Strawberry-Banana French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are avid cooks. In fact, we feel as if most of our 30 years together have been spent in the kitchen! We've experimented with so many recipes, but this one remains at the top of our list. —Marcella Perrigo, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 345 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
24/34
Meat Loaf Wellington
From the Recipe Creator:
My family would rather have this than plain meat loaf. It's a good way to dress up an ordinary dish for company. Many people have asked for the recipe. —Wanda Orton, Emporia, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 378 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
25/34
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 8 teaspoons syrup: 505 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
26/34
Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Hens
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother brought this recipe back with her from Hawaii about 25 years ago. The tender meat, pineapple-coconut stuffing and sweet-sour sauce have made it a favorite of my family and friends. I keep copies of the recipe on hand to share. —Vicki Corners, Rock Island, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed hen: 1343 calories, 82g fat (48g saturated fat), 465mg cholesterol, 2034mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 4g fiber), 72g protein.
27/34
Crockpot Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
28/34
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house. —Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
29/34
Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an update to a recipe that's been in our family for three generations. The combination of white chocolate and amaretto mingled with seasonal cranberry is my favorite way to end any celebration's meal. —Jennifer Evans DaCastello, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup pudding with about 1 tablespoon sauce: 367 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
30/34
Seafood Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Cajun seasoning and the Louisiana holy trinity of vegetables—celery, bell peppers and onion—add satisfying flavor to this stuffing loaded with shrimp and crab. This stuffing would be at home at a family dinner with roast chicken or alongside the big bird at Thanksgiving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 231 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
31/34
Peach French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
Let the aroma of baked peaches, brown sugar and cinnamon wake up your family. When you serve the tender slices of French toast, be sure to scoop up the golden syrup in the bottom of the pan and drizzle it over the top. —Geraldine Casey, Anderson, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 547 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
32/34
Ham & Brie Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like my comfy strata made with Brie, ham and mushrooms. Put it together and bake it now, or hold it overnight to pop in the oven tomorrow. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
33/34
Baked French Toast with Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
French toast is a crowd-pleaser, but it's hard to make for a big group. This overnight casserole with strawberries and a sweet pecan topping fixes everything. —David Stelzl Jr., Waxhaw, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without additional syrup): 377 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
34/34
Smoked Salmon-Potato Brunch Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
The two different potatoes, fresh herbs and different textures make this savory brunch bake unique and special. —Victoria Johnson, Gilbert, Arizona
Leftover Bread Recipes FAQ
What can I do with a lot of leftover bread?
Recipes that use a lot of leftover bread are stuffing recipes, bread puddings, French toast (if you’re feeding brunch to a crowd) and brunch bakes. These types of recipes use up almost a whole loaf (or more!) of day-old bread. If you eat a lot of soup and salad, consider using the leftover bread for a large batch of homemade croutons.
How do you make bread pudding with leftover bread?
To make the best bread pudding with leftover bread, start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. Whip up a custard made of eggs, cream, whole milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Then, toss the custard with the bread and let the bread soak for 15 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a pan and bake until puffed and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Finally, finish it with a sweet sauce and serve.
What recipes can I make with stale bread?
Recipes to make with stale bread include French toast, homemade croutons, breakfast stratas, casseroles, stuffing recipes, bread puddings, and certain meat loaf or burger recipes. Stale bread does well in recipes that need a dry component to soak up liquids.
