Plenty of people (myself included) love sourdough bread. There is something about the intricate flavor and desirable texture that sends our taste buds swooning. Baking sourdough bread at home only enhances the flavor, but most of the time, the recipe renders way more than we need.
Are you struggling with the dilemma of too much sourdough bread? Then you need to know what to do with leftover sourdough bread – and I’ve got your solutions. Whether you simply blend them into tasty, convenient breadcrumbs or create a whole new meal like French toast, there are plenty of great options.
Hello! My name is Michelle, and I hate wasting food. I love repurposing leftovers so that I can get the most out of my ingredients – and that includes sourdough bread.
Since I kept ending up with leftover sourdough bread, I’ve found so many great ways to reuse them in a super flavorful way.
Let’s use up that leftover sourdough bread!
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8 Ways to Use Leftover Sourdough Bread
Whether you bake your own sourdough bread or buy some from the store, you need to know how to use up the leftovers – and these recipes will help. You’re sure to find something you love on this list of the top 8 ways to use leftover sourdough bread!
1. Toast
One of my favorite ways to use leftover sourdough bread is to simply toss it into the toaster. When sourdough bread is toasted, it gets rid of any of that unwanted staleness that might occur with leftover sourdough, leaving you with a delicious slice of crunchy toast for breakfast. So simple.
2. Garlic Bread
Making spaghetti, lasagna, or another Italian-inspired dish for dinner? Don’t hesitate to whip out your leftover sourdough bread to make garlic bread. Slather the sourdough in a hefty dose of butter and garlic before baking.
My favorite way to bake garlic bread is in the air fryer. It’s super simple and only takes about 5-10 minutes at 400F without heating my entire kitchen.
However, I sometimes use the oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes or switch to the “broil” setting for around 5 minutes. Works like a charm!
3. Breadcrumbs
Ah, breadcrumbs. Can you think of anything handier? Whether it’s tossed into a soup as a thickening agent or adhered to zucchini to make fast-food style (yet way healthier) zucchini chips, breadcrumbs are the go-to.
While you can buy breadcrumbs at the grocery store for cheap, why not make them yourself? Simply cut your leftover sourdough bread into small pieces before pulsating it in your blender. Then, put them inside a freezer bag and place them in the freezer. Take out the desired amount of breadcrumbs for your recipe and enjoy!
Tip: Your leftover sourdough breadcrumbs are more versatile than you might think. Remove the desired amount and add flavors to enhance your dish.
For example, you can use cinnamon and brown sugar as a sweet breadcrumb topping, or add spicy cayenne and chili powders to boost fried chicken.
4. French Toast
Sourdough bread… for French toast? While it might not be the “traditional” bread for French toast, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. In fact, using sourdough can create a brand-new flavor profile you never thought possible.
Just use the leftover sourdough bread as you would any other type of bread and enjoy!
5. Croque Monsieur
If you’re a fan of ham and cheese sandwiches, I highly recommend giving Croque Monsieur a go. This sandwich comes with a delicious, crunchy cheese topping that complements the ham and stale sourdough flavors.
To make it, simply do the following:
Step 1: Heat a pan or griddle over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Butter two sides of sourdough bread generously.
Step 3: Slather some mustard on one side of the bread.
Step 4: Put together your sandwich by adding a few ham and hard cheese slices.
Step 5: Place the entire sandwich on the griddle.
Step 6: Let it cook for around three minutes before flipping and baking for an additional three minutes.
Step 7: Add extra cheese to the top of the sandwich and place it under the broiler for five minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Not a fan of ham? Then ditch the ham slices and go for a grilled cheese sandwich instead. This childhood classic can be created with any type of bread – including leftover sourdough! Make your grilled cheese as you usually would and enjoy an ultra-crunchy grilled cheese that can’t be beaten.
7. Bread Pudding
Most people have enjoyed bread pudding at least once or twice in their lifetime, especially if they visited grandma as a child. Did you know that bread pudding can be created using sourdough, too? If you’re looking for a great way to use leftover sourdough bread, you might consider surprising your family with this after-dinner treat!
8. Bruschetta
I have mentioned a few great ways to use leftover sourdough bread, but I haven’t listed an appetizer yet – until now. Sourdough is one of the best choices for bruschetta because it’s hardy enough to stand up to plenty of toppings yet will soak up the olive oil and other flavors with ease.
If you’re looking for a refreshing and highly flavorful appetizer or snack to serve during summertime, you might consider making bruschetta! Swipe some olive oil and garlic onto the sourdough bread, then toast.
From there, you can add any toppings you want, but the most traditional mix combines tomatoes and basil.
Not someone that likes to go the traditional route? There are endless topping possibilities for bruschetta that taste fantastic. Which recipe will end up in your kitchen?
FAQs
Now you know some of the best ways to use leftover sourdough bread! If you want to keep learning about this topic, check out these frequently asked questions.
What can I do with a 3-day-old sourdough?
You can use any of the ideas listed above, or you can try to “revive” your sourdough bread. To do this, spritz the sourdough bread with some water so it’s damp. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 250F and enjoy this fresh-tasting bread.
Can you freeze sourdough bread?
You can freeze sourdough bread. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly to enjoy drying out and/or succumbing to freezer burn. Wrap a whole loaf of slices in aluminum foil, then toss it into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. It will remain good for up to three months.
How long can sourdough bread last?
Homemade sourdough bread can last up to four days at room temperature when properly stored, and store-bought varieties can last up to seven. You can also place it in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life. Bread typically gets an extra five days in the refrigerator and will last up to three months in the freezer.
Final Words
There are so many wonderful ways to use leftover sourdough bread, whether you’re a fan of a convenient option like breadcrumbs or want a tastier treat like french toast or bread pudding. The best part is that all of the methods are incredibly easy, and you won’t waste any food.
Which one of these ways to use leftover sourdough bread are you going to use? Do you have any ideas to add to this list? Share in the comment section below!
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