25+ Delicious Leftover Bread Crust Recipes To Try Today

Leftover bread crusts may often find themselves tossed aside, but they hold incredible potential for creating delicious and creative dishes!

Instead of letting these bits of bread go to waste, why not turn them into culinary delights that can elevate your meals?

From crispy croutons to flavorful bread puddings, using leftover bread crusts can save you money and contribute to a more sustainable kitchen.

This article showcases over 25 innovative recipes that will inspire you to repurpose your bread crusts into delightful dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert.

Get ready to transform those crusts into mouthwatering creations that everyone will love!

25+ Delicious Leftover Bread Crust Recipes To Try Today

Incorporating leftover bread crusts into your cooking not only reduces food waste but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With over 25 recipes to choose from, you’ll discover that these seemingly insignificant pieces of bread can be the star of your meals. Whether you’re craving a comforting bread pudding, crunchy croutons for your salads, or even savory snacks, there’s a recipe here for every taste. So, the next time you have leftover bread crusts, remember to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting delicious dishes from what would otherwise be discarded.

Leftover Bread Crust French Toast Sticks

Turn your leftover bread crusts into crispy, delicious French toast sticks perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. These golden bites are quick to make, and they provide a tasty way to repurpose bread trimmings that might otherwise go to waste. With simple ingredients like eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar, you can transform stale bread crusts into a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Butter or oil for frying
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or oil.
3. Dip the leftover bread crusts into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
4. Place the coated crusts on the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve the French toast sticks with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

These Leftover Bread Crust French Toast Sticks are a fun and tasty way to give new life to bread trimmings. They’re great for dipping into syrup or enjoying as a snack on their own. With their crispy edges and cinnamon-sweet flavor, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe whenever you have extra crusts on hand.

Leftover Bread Crust Cheese Croutons

Repurpose your leftover bread crusts into crunchy, cheesy croutons to elevate salads, soups, and casseroles. These croutons are baked with a flavorful mix of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, giving them a savory, crispy texture. Not only do they reduce food waste, but they also add a gourmet touch to your everyday meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the bread crusts with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the seasoned bread crusts evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
5. Allow the croutons to cool before using them to top salads, soups, or other dishes.

These Leftover Bread Crust Cheese Croutons add a wonderful crunch and rich flavor to a variety of meals. They are easy to make, budget-friendly, and a great way to turn your bread scraps into something special. Make a batch to keep on hand for whenever you want to add a little something extra to your dishes.

Leftover Bread Crust Bread Pudding

This cozy and comforting bread pudding is made using leftover bread crusts, offering a delicious solution for bread that might otherwise go unused. The bread crusts soak up a creamy custard mixture, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and raisins, before being baked to golden perfection. This dessert is not only economical but also a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for brunches, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)
• Butter for greasing
• Powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a medium-sized baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Add the bread crusts and raisins to the custard mixture, stirring to combine. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
5. Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving with powdered sugar or whipped cream.

This Leftover Bread Crust Bread Pudding is a delightful way to enjoy an indulgent dessert while minimizing waste. With its soft, custardy interior and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something truly comforting. It’s an excellent choice for using up extra bread crusts while treating your family to a timeless dessert.

Leftover Bread Crust Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Transform your leftover bread crusts into savory Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks, perfect as a side for soups, pasta, or even just a quick snack. With the flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, these crunchy breadsticks will be a hit at the dinner table. This recipe not only reduces waste but also provides a delicious appetizer or side dish in a matter of minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the bread crusts with melted butter, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the seasoned crusts on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm as a side for soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

These Leftover Bread Crust Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are an easy and flavorful way to make the most of bread scraps. They’re crisp on the outside, bursting with garlicky goodness, and topped with a generous amount of Parmesan. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own, these breadsticks will quickly become a favorite.

Leftover Bread Crust Pizza Chips

Leftover bread crusts can be turned into crispy pizza-flavored chips, a fun and easy snack that’s perfect for munching or serving at parties. Coated in pizza seasoning, cheese, and baked to perfection, these chips are a creative way to use up leftover crusts. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have a snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the bread crusts with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, cheese, and a pinch of salt until the crusts are evenly coated.
3. Spread the crusts on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crusts are crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve the pizza chips with marinara sauce for dipping.

These Leftover Bread Crust Pizza Chips are the perfect snack for pizza lovers. Packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, they’re a fantastic way to use up bread crusts while offering a delicious, crunchy alternative to traditional chips. Whether you’re snacking solo or sharing with friends, these pizza chips will disappear quickly!

Leftover Bread Crust Cinnamon Sugar Crisps

For a sweet and crunchy treat, use your leftover bread crusts to make Cinnamon Sugar Crisps. This quick and simple recipe coats bread crusts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking them to a crisp perfection. These golden, sweet crisps make for a delightful dessert, snack, or topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
3. Toss the bread crusts with melted butter until they are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bread crusts and toss to coat them well.
5. Spread the crusts in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
6. Allow the crisps to cool before serving.

These Leftover Bread Crust Cinnamon Sugar Crisps are an irresistible sweet snack that takes minimal effort to prepare. The crunchy texture combined with the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon sugar makes them perfect for any time of day. Enjoy them on their own or use them as a crunchy topping for desserts — either way, they’re a great way to give bread crusts a second life.

Leftover Bread Crust Savory Bread Pudding

This savory bread pudding is a perfect way to use leftover bread crusts and create a filling, flavorful dish. Made with eggs, cheese, herbs, and vegetables, this recipe can be customized to suit whatever you have on hand. It’s an excellent option for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (onion, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the bread crusts, cheese, and diced vegetables to the egg mixture, stirring to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
5. Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.

This Leftover Bread Crust Savory Bread Pudding is a versatile, comforting dish that makes the most of your extra crusts. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dinner, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose leftover bread while avoiding food waste.

Leftover Bread Crust Chocolate Bread Crumbs

Leftover bread crusts can be transformed into a decadent dessert topping with this chocolate bread crumb recipe. These crispy, chocolate-coated crumbs are perfect for sprinkling over ice cream, yogurt, or even cake. This recipe not only helps reduce food waste but also adds a rich, crunchy element to your favorite desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the finely chopped bread crusts with melted butter, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crumbs are crispy and fragrant.
5. Allow the chocolate crumbs to cool before using them as a topping for desserts.

These Leftover Bread Crust Chocolate Bread Crumbs are a delicious way to add a crunchy, chocolatey topping to your desserts. Whether sprinkled over ice cream or used to enhance cakes and yogurt, this recipe ensures that no bread goes to waste while delivering a sweet treat with a delightful texture.

Leftover Bread Crust Stuffing Muffins

Give your leftover bread crusts new life by turning them into savory stuffing muffins, perfect for holiday meals or an everyday side dish. These individually portioned stuffing muffins are packed with traditional flavors like herbs, onions, and celery. They’re a wonderful way to avoid wasting bread crusts while creating a delicious addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts, cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the bread crusts, cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and broth. Pour the mixture over the bread and toss to combine.
5. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the greased muffin tin, pressing down lightly to pack each muffin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crisp.
7. Serve warm as a side dish or holiday treat.

These Leftover Bread Crust Stuffing Muffins are a fantastic way to make use of bread crusts and create a flavorful, bite-sized version of traditional stuffing. Perfect for holiday meals or as a weeknight side, these muffins provide a delicious, individually portioned way to enjoy classic stuffing flavors while reducing food waste.

Leftover Bread Crust Garlic Butter Crostini

Turn your leftover bread crusts into crispy and flavorful Garlic Butter Crostini, perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside soups and salads. Coated in a simple garlic butter mixture and baked until golden, these crostini are an effortless and tasty way to make the most of your leftover bread crusts. They’re also ideal for dipping into sauces or as a base for toppings like bruschetta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
• Salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt.
3. Toss the bread crusts with the garlic butter mixture until evenly coated.
4. Spread the crusts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
6. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and bake for another 2 minutes. Serve warm.

These Leftover Bread Crust Garlic Butter Crostini are a simple yet delicious way to reduce food waste while creating a savory, crispy snack or side dish. Their rich garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with soups, dips, or salads, and they can be easily customized with cheese or herbs to suit your taste.

Leftover Bread Crust Cinnamon Bread Pudding Bites

Cinnamon Bread Pudding Bites are a delicious and creative way to repurpose leftover bread crusts into bite-sized desserts. Packed with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors, these mini bread puddings are perfect for serving at brunch or as a sweet snack. They’re baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to portion and serve while giving your bread crusts a second chance to shine.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Add the bread crusts to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to soak.
4. Spoon the mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are set.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

These Leftover Bread Crust Cinnamon Bread Pudding Bites are a fun and tasty way to turn bread crusts into an indulgent treat. With their sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor and soft, custardy texture, these bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed any time of day. They’re also a wonderful way to minimize waste while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Leftover Bread Crust Tiramisu Trifle

Create a quick and delightful tiramisu-inspired trifle using leftover bread crusts. This layered dessert combines the richness of mascarpone, the sweetness of coffee-soaked bread crusts, and the bitterness of cocoa powder, all in a simple, no-bake treat. It’s an elegant way to use up bread crusts while making a dessert that tastes luxurious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts, chopped
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a shallow bowl, dip the chopped bread crusts into the brewed coffee, allowing them to soak up the liquid, but not become too soggy. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
3. In serving glasses or a trifle dish, layer the coffee-soaked bread crusts and mascarpone mixture, starting with the bread. Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used up, finishing with the mascarpone on top.
4. Dust the top with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.

This Leftover Bread Crust Tiramisu Trifle is a clever and delicious twist on the classic dessert, using bread crusts in place of ladyfingers. The layers of coffee-soaked crusts and creamy mascarpone create a dessert that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s a perfect way to use up leftovers while treating yourself to a decadent, no-bake dessert.

Leftover Bread Crust Crouton Salad Toppers

Leftover bread crusts can easily be turned into crunchy croutons that add texture and flavor to any salad. These croutons are seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. They’re versatile enough to be used in salads, soups, or as a snack on their own, making them a fantastic way to avoid wasting bread crusts while enhancing your meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover bread crusts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the bread crusts with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the crusts on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are golden and crispy, stirring halfway through.
5. Allow the croutons to cool before adding them to your favorite salad or soup.

These Leftover Bread Crust Crouton Salad Toppers add a satisfying crunch to your salads while preventing food waste. Lightly seasoned with herbs and garlic, they bring extra flavor and texture to any dish. Easy to make and store, these homemade croutons are a great way to transform bread crusts into a delightful addition to your meals.

Leftover Bread Crust French Toast Sticks

Turn your leftover bread crusts into fun and tasty French Toast Sticks for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Dipped in a cinnamon-infused egg mixture and fried until golden, these French toast sticks are perfect for dipping in syrup or enjoying on their own. This recipe is an easy way to use up bread crusts while creating a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Butter for frying
• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter.
3. Dip the bread crusts into the egg mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Place the coated bread crusts into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve the French toast sticks with maple syrup for dipping.

These Leftover Bread Crust French Toast Sticks are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic breakfast while using up leftover bread. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re perfect for dipping in syrup or dusting with powdered sugar. A kid-friendly recipe, it’s a fantastic way to ensure no bread goes to waste while creating a sweet and satisfying meal.

Leftover Bread Crust Panzanella Salad

Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad, and this version makes use of leftover bread crusts to soak up the fresh flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil. With its simple yet vibrant ingredients, this dish is a great way to repurpose bread crusts into something special. The salad is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover bread crusts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the bread crusts with the dressing and allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add the soaked bread crusts to the bowl of vegetables and toss everything together.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This Leftover Bread Crust Panzanella Salad is a light and flavorful dish that makes great use of bread crusts while incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bread absorbs the delicious dressing and mingles perfectly with the crisp vegetables, creating a vibrant salad that’s perfect for lunch or as a side. It’s a refreshing and sustainable way to reduce food waste while enjoying a taste of Italy.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!