35 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Bread

Updated on Sep. 16, 2024

Have day-old bread you want to use? We'll show you how to transform it into breakfasts, dinners and desserts your family will love.

Blueberry French Toast

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

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Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Nothing is cozier to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Ranch Pasta

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
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Ham & Swiss Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This rich and hearty brunch dish is loaded with ham, mushrooms and cheese, plus layers of sliced French bread. It’s a terrific choice when you have overnight guests.
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 858 calories, 69g fat (41g saturated fat), 415mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
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Salad Croutons

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: "Homemade croutons are a delight to serve with your favorite mixed green salad-or as a crunchy snack," suggests Fayne Lutz of Taos, New Mexico. Her well-seasoned salad toppers will set you back a mere 4 cents per serving!
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 36 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

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Chicken and Dressing

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
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!
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.

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Strawberry Panzanella Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Always a crowd-pleaser, this strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 385 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Chocolate French Toast

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Try this yummy treat for a special breakfast or brunch. The layer of chocolate hidden inside makes a wonderful flavor combination that appeals to kids of all ages. You might even be tempted to serve this chocolate sandwich for dessert! —Pat Habiger Spearville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 348 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
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Mustard Ham Strata

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
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.
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Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My son loves pear crisp, but one night I was making bread pudding. He asked if I could make both. I compromised by combining two desserts into this one dish. It's absolutely fantastic! —Kurt Wait, Redwood City, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 331 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I have been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 182 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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French Toast Sticks

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
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.
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Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful salad is easy to make, and it's even easier if you use precut chunks of butternut squash. You can use pecans in place of the almonds or watercress instead of the arugula or spinach. —Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 361 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
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Vanilla French Toast

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
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Butterscotch-Pecan Bread Pudding

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings
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.

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Chicken Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
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.

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Cheddar and Chorizo Strata

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Stratas are a wonderful way to use up bits and pieces of leftovers you have on hand. You can make them meatless, or replace the cheeses with whatever is available. This can be made a day before baking. If you like more heat, use pepper jack cheese. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 370 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 192mg cholesterol, 946mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.

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Apple Brown Betty Recipe

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 4 servings
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.

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Banana Bread Pudding

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
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Green Chile Brunch Bake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
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Baked French Toast

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
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.
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Mainly Mushroom Beef Carbonnade

Total Time 2 hours 45 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
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French Toast Fingers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Special Herb Dressing

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 14-16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fabulously satisfying dressing with all the great tastes people crave: meat, fish herbs, earthy mushrooms, crunchy apples and water chestnuts, and a zesty burst of tart cranberries. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 204 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
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Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 9 servings (1-1/2 cups syrup)
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.
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Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Hens

Total Time 1 hour 45 min
Servings 2 servings
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 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.

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Crockpot Stuffing

Total Time 3 hours 30 min
Servings 10 servings
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. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —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.

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Blueberry Crunch Breakfast Bake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
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.
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Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings (1 cup sauce)
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.
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Chicken Brunch Bake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 233 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
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Peach French Toast

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
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Ham & Brie Strata

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
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 into 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.
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Baked French Toast with Strawberries

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
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.
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Smoked Salmon-Potato Brunch Bake

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 9 servings
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