What To Do With Leftover Sourdough Bread

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Leftover sourdough bread, with its distinctive tang and chewy texture, should never go to waste.

There are numerous creative ways to make the most of this delightful bread, whether you are looking to create delicious breakfasts, satisfying lunches or dinners, or even mouthwatering desserts.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of recipes and ideas for using up your leftover sourdough bread; not only will these recipes reduce food waste, but they will also introduce you to unique ways of enjoying your bread that you might not have considered before.

Each dish showcases the versatility of sourdough, proving that it’s more than just a simple loaf.

Let’s get going!

What To Do With Leftover Sourdough Bread: Savoury Breakfast Ideas

Transform your leftover sourdough bread into delicious savoury breakfast treats!

We’ve got two fantastic recipes for you to try: Sourdough French Toast and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Both dishes are flavour-packed and perfect for starting your day on a high note.

Sourdough French Toast

Give your classic French toast a delightful twist with sourdough bread. To make this delectable breakfast, you’ll need:

  • Leftover sourdough bread
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Salt and pepper
  1. Slice your sourdough bread into thick pieces.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
  4. Cook the coated slices on a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat until golden brown.
  5. Serve your sourdough French toast warm with your favourite toppings like avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or feta cheese.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread takes this classic dish to new heights.

You’ll need:

  • Leftover sourdough bread
  • Butter
  • Cheese of your choice
  • Optional add-ins: tomatoes, caramelised onions, bacon
  1. Slice your sourdough bread and butter each slice on one side.
  2. Heat a pan over medium heat.
  3. Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, on the pan.
  4. Layer your favourite cheese and any desired add-ins on top of the bread.
  5. Top with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
  6. Cook the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown, flipping once.
  7. Remove from heat, let it cool for a minute, and enjoy!

These savoury breakfast ideas will make sure your leftover sourdough bread never goes to waste again. 

Hearty Lunch and Dinner Options

Sourdough Bread Stuffing

Transform your leftover sourdough bread into a delightful stuffing that is perfect for any meal.

Simply tear or cube the stale bread into small pieces and toss with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add in your favourite herbs, like basil and thyme, along with diced vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery.

Bake in the oven until crispy and golden, and you have a delicious sourdough bread stuffing that can accompany a roast turkey, stuff into meatballs, or even be served as a standalone side.

Bruschetta

For a flavoursome appetiser or light lunch, try making bruschetta with your stale sourdough bread.

Toast the sourdough slices until crispy and then rub them with a fresh garlic clove.

Drizzle with olive oil and top with chopped tomatoes, basil, and a sprinkle of salt.

You’ve got yourself a simple yet scrumptious bruschetta that will impress your guests and make good use of your leftover bread.

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad is a delightful way to use up stale sourdough bread while creating a tasty and filling meal.

To make this Italian classic, simply cube your bread and toss with olive oil. Then, mix it with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil.

Drizzle with a bit more oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and give everything a good toss.

In no time, you’ll have a beautiful and hearty panzanella salad that showcases your leftover sourdough to perfection.

Croque Monsieur

Put a spin on the classic French sandwich, Croque Monsieur, by using your leftover sourdough bread.

Start by making a creamy béchamel sauce that will act as a wonderful base for your sandwich. Layer the sourdough slices with ham, cheese, and some béchamel, and then grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

You can even take it up a notch by adding a fried egg on top to create a Croque Madame.

This mouthwatering meal is perfect for a brunch or dinner and makes the most of your leftover sourdough bread.

Delicious Desserts

When you find yourself with leftover sourdough bread, don’t let it go to waste! With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can transform it into decadent desserts that will leave you craving more.

We’ll explore two different scrumptious recipes that make use of leftover sourdough bread: Sourdough Bread Pudding and Banana Bread Pudding.

Sourdough Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover sourdough bread. Simply follow the steps below to create a comforting, indulgent dessert.

  1. Cube the bread – Cut your sourdough bread into 2cm (1-inch) cubes.
  2. Soak the bread – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the sourdough bread cubes, ensuring they are completely coated in the liquid mixture. Let this sit for about 30 minutes.
  3. Bake – Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Transfer the soaked bread cubes to a greased baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.

Serve your sourdough bread pudding warm, and enjoy its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Banana Bread Pudding

For a delightful twist on classic bread pudding, add some bananas to your dessert!

Here’s how you can make an irresistibly moist and flavourful banana bread pudding using your leftover sourdough bread…

  1. Prepare the bread – As with the sourdough bread pudding, cut the bread into 2cm (1-inch) cubes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with mashed ripe bananas.
  2. Mix the custard – Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread and banana blend. Gently stir to make sure the bread is well-coated. Allow this to sit for around 30 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  3. Bake and serve – Preheat the oven to the same temperature, 175°C (350°F), and grease a baking dish. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.

Dig into your warm, comforting banana bread pudding.

It’s truly a delightful way to reuse that leftover sourdough bread and be kind to your taste buds as well as the environment.

Sourdough Bread Snacks

Leftover sourdough bread is a treasure you shouldn’t waste. Its tangy flavour and chewy texture make it the perfect choice for creating tasty appetisers. Here, we talk about three delicious snacks you can make using your leftover sourdough bread: Homemade Croutons, Crostini, and Crispbread.

Homemade Croutons

Croutons give a lovely crunch to your soups and salads. Making them with sourdough bread adds an extra depth of flavour.

Here’s how to create your own croutons:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Cut leftover sourdough bread into small cubes, about 1-2 centimetres in size.
  3. In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and your favourite seasonings.
  4. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Feel free to play around with different herbs and spices to suit your tastes.

Crostini

Crostini are toasted slices of bread that act as the perfect base for a variety of toppings.

They’re quick and easy to make, and their tangy flavour pairs well with a wide range of appetisers.

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Slice your sourdough bread into thin, even pieces.
  3. Brush each slice with a light layer of olive oil and season with some salt.
  4. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, till crisp and golden.

Serve your crostini with various toppings, such as soft cheese, fresh tomatoes, or a mix of roasted veggies.

Crispbread

Crispbread is a crunchy, versatile snack that can be enjoyed with sweet or savoury toppings.

To make crispbread out of your leftover sourdough bread, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 140°C (275°F).
  2. Roll out your sourdough bread dough till it’s thin and even.
  3. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or rectangular shapes.
  4. Bake the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes, or until crisp and lightly browned.

Let the crispbread cool, then enjoy with your favourite dips, spreads, or on its own.

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