Pulled out some stale bread from pantry. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

#### 2. Whip Up Classic Croutons

Cut the bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and salt, then bake until golden. Add these crunchy croutons to your salads or soups.

#### 3. Prepare Bread Pudding or French Toast

Stale bread soaks up custards and batters beautifully, making it ideal for sweet or savory bread pudding and classic French toast recipes.

#### 4. Use It in Stuffing or Dressing

Chop stale bread and combine with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and broth for a comforting stuffing or side dish.

#### 5. Make Panzanella Salad

This Italian bread salad celebrates stale bread’s ability to absorb vinaigrettes and juices. Toss chunks with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, basil, and olive oil for a refreshing meal.

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### Bonus Tip: Freeze Fresh Bread Before It Goes Stale

To avoid stale bread in the future, **freeze fresh bread in portions** and toast or thaw as needed. This keeps bread fresh longer and minimizes waste.

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### Final Thoughts

Your mother-in-law is onto something: **stale bread is not waste — it’s an opportunity.** With a bit of creativity, you can transform it into delicious dishes that save money, reduce waste, and impress your family.

So next time you find stale bread, don’t toss it — try one of these ideas instead. Your pantry (and the planet) will thank you!

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Would you like recipes or step-by-step guides for any of these ideas? I’d be happy to help!