3 ways to repurpose stale bread
ARTICLE
1 June 2025
3 min read
3 min read
Save your stale bread from the bin and transform it into a range of tasty, nutritious meals the whole family can enjoy.
Panzanella Salad
Stale bread is the star of this traditional Italian dish. The bread soaks up the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, making every bite full of flavour.
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 125g bocconcini, torn into small pieces
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2-3 slices of stale bread, torn into chunks
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijion mustard
- A few fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Toss the bread in a little olive oil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, bocconcini, and shallot.
- Add the chunks of bread to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon, and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the juices from the tomatoes and dressing.
- Top with torn basil leaves just before serving.
Banana French Toast
Transform your stale bread into a sweet breakfast or brunch option with banana French toast that’s crisp and golden on the outside, and soft and custardy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of stale bread
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter, for frying
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
Method:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add butter.
- Dip the stale bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated, then place it in the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with sliced banana on top and drizzle with maple syrup.
Garlic parmesan Croutons
A classic way to repurpose stale bread, croutons can elevate any soup or salad with some texture and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of stale bread, cut into cubes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the stale bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve as a topping for your favourite soup or salad.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh salad, a sweet breakfast, or a crunchy topping for your soup, repurposing stale bread is an easy way to save on waste and up the taste of every meal.
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Marika Day
Marika Day is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist with over 10 years' experience in a variety of clinical and non-clinical areas. Her expertise and interests include gastrointestinal nutrition, which is influenced by her personal experience with coeliac disease. Additionally, she focuses on women’s health and the complexities of disordered and emotional eating. In addition to her clinical expertise, Marika regularly works in recipe development, helping people make nutritious choices every day. Her approach to nutrition is balanced, practical and empathetic and aims to help people enjoy food and live a healthy balanced life.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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