Toast it up
Boy oh boy, look at that cheese! This is really easy to make, and is the perfect solution for when you find that bag of two crusts at the back of the fridge.
Przeni lepcinja (Macedonian cheese toast) Source: Andy Baker
When it comes to bread, the French sure know what they're doing. Even day-old loaves and slices are transformed into something delicious. In fact, in this case, older is better than fresh.
Source: China Squirrel
This is no ordinary toastie - made with two types of cheese and cream and eggs, this is a sandwich done right! You don't need fancy bread, and it doesn't need to be bakery-fresh.
Nothing crumby about these plates
Source: SBS Food
4. Barbecued octopus with tahini sauce
Giving this fresh tahini sauce a little boost in the consistency department, stale bread works beautifully in this Turkish seafood dish. Hit the fish markets and cook up a storm.
Source: Sevtap Yüce
The Italians sure love their bread, so if you think that there's any way Nonna will be throwing away those leftover pieces of ciabatta, think again! She's turning them into these delicious balls of cheese and carb goodness - what the Italians do best, really!
Source: SBS Food
Yesterday's tortillas are the stale bread equivalent in Mexico and make for this really delicious breakfast. As flavourful as it is colourful, it's also a great way to get your protein in for the day.
Tomato and chipotle bathed corn chips with fried eggs (chilaquiles rojas) Source: Benito Martin
Meaning bread salad, this one packs classic Italian flavours such as tomato, basil and olive oil. It's light and works perfectly as a starter to any Italian feast.
Source: Christine Han
Originally a dish for Italy's peasant class, wastage of food wasn't an option. But like good wine, time only improvise this dish with the flavours bolding with each reboil. Go for an Italian pane di casa loaf, or similar.
Bread+crumbs = magic
Source: Alan Benson
Forgot to finish off that artisanal sourdough loaf from the farmers' markets? Tell your wallet not to cry, as this Portuguese salad uses day-old sourdough to create a crunchy and healthy salad.
Portuguese breadcrumb, black bean and kale salad Source: Chris Chen
Katsu is popular right across Japan, made using chicken or pork. If you don't have Panko crumbs on hand, make your own by processing slices of old bread and allowing to dry.
Croutons
This style of Japanese breadcrumb is delicious, especially in pork cutlets (tonkatsu). Source: Murdoch Books
Croutons are an easy way to repurpose stale bread. Simply tear up the bread then coat in oil, herbs and salt then oven bake or pan fry until crispy.
Easy to make and really versatile, this pasta can be served cold in the summer and warm in the winter. The croutons add a great crunch and the lemon gives it a beautiful tang.
Spaghetti with tuna, croutons and parsley Source: SBS Food
With a beautiful dressing, this healthy salad is perfect for entertaining. Make a big bowl and let everyone dig in, then throw away that (now empty!) bread bag.
Source: Sam Linsell
An odd-sounding combination, that's for sure, but the sweet watermelon balances the acidic tomatoes to create a sweet, wonderfully flavourful and stunningly vibrant soup. The croutons on top provide a nice crunch, which fades as they start to soak up this soup, often served cold.
Last but certainly not least, the sweet
Source: SBS Food
14. Sourdough bread pudding
We all love sourdough, but what do we do when it goes stale or we have offcuts? This is a great winter or a perfect slice served with tea. Rich, flavoursome and very economical to make, this sourdough ticks all the boxes.
Sourdough bread pudding Source: Peter Kuruvita's Coastal Kitchen
15. Chai-spiced bread and butter pudding
There's really not much better than stepping into a kitchen filled with the smell of a bread and butter pudding baking away (except devouring it, obviously) - especially one made with aromatic chai spices. This will only set you back 15 minutes in prep time, so it's a perfect way to use up the week's unused bread.
Source: Michele Curtis
16. Fried bread with cinnamon sugar
As the name probably suggests, this isn't something a dietitian would be happy with you eating everyday. But in the name of reducing food waste, it's a perfect treat. Garnish with a fresh orange to make it a little bit healthier!
Source: Katie Kaars
Whoever he is, Paddy sure knows how to whip up a creamy dessert from stale brown bread. It's very easy to make, just allow enough time for chilling and you've got yourself a refreshing cup of ice cream.
Source: SBS Food
18. Vietnamese coconut bread and butter pudding
A little different from your standard bread and butter pud, this version from Vietnam is light and not too sweet. It's made with ripe bananas and coconut, giving it an exotic tropical twist.
Source: Alan Benson
