Stale bread is often seen as an inconvenience, destined for the compost bin or trash can.
However, it’s time to change that perception!
With a little creativity and inspiration, stale bread can be transformed into mouthwatering casseroles that are perfect for any meal.
Whether you have leftover baguettes, crusty rolls, or even sweet bread, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ve compiled over 25 delectable casserole recipes that breathe new life into stale bread.
From savory classics like cheesy broccoli bakes to sweet delights such as blueberry bread pudding, these recipes not only help you reduce food waste but also create hearty and satisfying dishes that will delight your family and friends.
Join us on this culinary journey as we explore how to make the most of your stale bread with delicious casseroles that promise to be both comforting and convenient!
25+ Delicious Stale Bread Casserole Recipes to Revive Your Stale Bread
Embracing stale bread in your cooking not only helps combat food waste but also opens the door to a world of delightful casseroles that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
With our collection of 25+ stale bread casserole recipes, you can indulge in everything from savory veggie bakes to sweet, comforting bread puddings.
Each recipe showcases the versatility of stale bread, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen and impress your loved ones with delicious, hearty meals.
So the next time you find yourself with leftover bread, don’t toss it out—grab your baking dish and dive into these recipes that turn simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
Savory Bread & Cheese Strata
This classic strata recipe makes excellent use of stale bread and layers of melted cheese, eggs, and savory seasonings. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, as the flavors come together overnight and bake to a golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or basil
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer half of the bread cubes in the bottom.
- Sprinkle half the cheese, ham or sausage (if using), onions, and bell peppers over the bread.
- Add another layer of bread cubes on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese, ham, onions, and bell pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme or basil.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread.
- Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight or for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This Savory Bread & Cheese Strata is a crowd-pleaser and easy to customize with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats. The dish can be prepped in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or enjoying a cozy meal with family.
Italian Bread Pudding with Mozzarella & Marinara
For a savory twist on bread pudding, this Italian-inspired dish combines stale bread with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Italian herbs. The result is a casserole bursting with the flavors of classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups stale bread cubes (sourdough or Italian bread preferred)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
This Italian Bread Pudding is an innovative way to use leftover bread. The blend of cheeses, herbs, and marinara makes it a comforting dish that’s great on its own or as a side. It’s also easy to adapt by adding vegetables or Italian sausage to make it even heartier.
Sweet Apple Cinnamon Bread Casserole
This dessert-style casserole transforms stale bread into a sweet, apple-filled treat that’s reminiscent of bread pudding. With warm spices, tender apples, and a custard base, this dish is ideal for breakfast or dessert, especially when topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (any variety works well)
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Caramel sauce or powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes in the baking dish, then sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Let cool slightly, then top with caramel sauce or powdered sugar if desired before serving.
The Sweet Apple Cinnamon Bread Casserole is a wonderfully warm and cozy dessert that’s easy to put together and full of comforting flavors. It’s a fantastic way to use stale bread, especially during apple season, and it can be enjoyed warm from the oven or as leftovers the next day.
Cheesy Broccoli Bread Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli Bread Bake combines stale bread with broccoli, a creamy sauce, and lots of melted cheese for a satisfying vegetarian dish. It’s great for lunch or dinner, delivering warmth and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer the chopped broccoli on top, followed by the shredded cheddar.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and broccoli, pressing down gently to soak the bread in the mixture.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Cheesy Broccoli Bread Bake is a tasty way to incorporate stale bread and vegetables into a meal that everyone will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, and you can even add in other vegetables or cooked chicken for extra protein and texture.
Spinach & Feta Bread Casserole
Inspired by the flavors of a Greek spanakopita, this Spinach & Feta Bread Casserole uses stale bread as a hearty base, with layers of spinach, tangy feta, and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to use up bread and makes a tasty brunch or light dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Layer the bread cubes in the baking dish, followed by the spinach, chopped onion, and crumbled feta.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and spinach mixture, pressing down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
The Spinach & Feta Bread Casserole brings out classic Mediterranean flavors, making it a delightful and unique use of stale bread. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that works well with additional herbs or a mix of cheeses for more complexity.
Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding
This sweet Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding takes stale bread to new heights with seasonal flavors. Rich pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm spices make this an indulgent fall dessert or breakfast, especially delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.
This Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding is a deliciously spiced treat that’s perfect for autumn and a clever way to use up stale bread. With its rich pumpkin flavor and subtle sweetness from maple syrup, it’s bound to be a seasonal favorite for cozy gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Mediterranean Bread Casserole with Roasted Vegetables
This Mediterranean-inspired bread casserole utilizes stale bread and a mix of roasted vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. The combination of vibrant flavors and textures makes it a fantastic option for a hearty lunch or dinner, showcasing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (preferably ciabatta or focaccia)
- 2 cups assorted roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant work well)
- 1 cup pitted olives, sliced (Kalamata or green olives)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the stale bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer the roasted vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
This Mediterranean Bread Casserole with Roasted Vegetables is a delicious way to turn stale bread into a vibrant, healthy meal. With its combination of savory flavors and textures, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins for a complete meal.
Spiced Pear and Almond Bread Pudding
This elegant Spiced Pear and Almond Bread Pudding takes stale bread and elevates it with the sweetness of ripe pears and the warmth of spices. It’s a perfect dessert for fall or winter gatherings, particularly when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (French or brioche works well)
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
- Spread the stale bread cubes evenly in the baking dish and layer the sliced pears on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and pears, pressing down gently to soak.
- If using, sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream.
The Spiced Pear and Almond Bread Pudding is a deliciously sweet and fragrant dessert that transforms stale bread into a show-stopping dish. The combination of juicy pears, warm spices, and crunchy almonds creates a delightful texture and flavor profile, making it a perfect finale for any special meal or gathering.
Chicken and Mushroom Bread Casserole
This Chicken and Mushroom Bread Casserole is a hearty dish that combines stale bread with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or using up leftover chicken.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread cubes (white or whole wheat)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well and spread in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and chicken mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
The Chicken and Mushroom Bread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that cleverly utilizes stale bread while providing a satisfying meal. It’s rich in flavor and texture, perfect for a family dinner or as a leftover meal that’s just as delicious the next day. You can customize it further by adding vegetables like spinach or peppers, making it an adaptable recipe for various tastes.
Sweet Potato and Bacon Bread Casserole
This Sweet Potato and Bacon Bread Casserole combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of crispy bacon, all layered with stale bread for a comforting and filling dish. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread cubes (whole grain or sourdough)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a pot, boil the cubed sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, cooked sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sweet potato mixture, pressing down gently to ensure everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
The Sweet Potato and Bacon Bread Casserole is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout dish for any meal of the day. The use of stale bread adds a satisfying texture, while the crispy bacon and creamy cheese elevate it to comfort food status. This casserole is sure to please family and guests alike, and it can easily be made ahead of time for convenience.
Zucchini and Tomato Bread Casserole
This Zucchini and Tomato Bread Casserole is a vibrant, vegetable-packed dish that utilizes stale bread as a hearty base. Perfect for showcasing summer produce, this casserole is a wonderful side or main dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups stale bread cubes (Italian or French bread)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to ensure everything is combined.
- Transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This Zucchini and Tomato Bread Casserole is a fresh and colorful way to make use of stale bread while celebrating seasonal vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a main course or a side, and it’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Classic French Toast Casserole
This Classic French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy way to turn stale bread into a sweet breakfast treat. With flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s perfect for serving a crowd at brunch or enjoying a cozy family breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (any kind, preferably challah or brioche)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the stale bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the custard.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
This Classic French Toast Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms stale bread into a sweet morning treat. It’s a convenient option for busy mornings, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla make it a perfect choice for any breakfast or brunch occasion, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds!
Cornbread and Chorizo Casserole
This Cornbread and Chorizo Casserole is a flavorful dish that combines stale cornbread with spicy chorizo sausage and vibrant vegetables. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover cornbread, and it makes for a hearty brunch or a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
- 1 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed and crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked chorizo, sautéed vegetables, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cornbread mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
The Cornbread and Chorizo Casserole is a vibrant and spicy dish that makes excellent use of stale cornbread. This recipe is not only filling and delicious but also versatile, as you can easily swap out chorizo for other proteins or vegetables based on your preferences. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or as a comforting dinner option any night of the week.
Ratatouille Bread Pudding Casserole
Inspired by the classic French ratatouille, this Ratatouille Bread Pudding Casserole combines stale bread with a medley of roasted vegetables and herbs. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread while enjoying the flavors of summer produce.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (French or Italian)
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the diced eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and additional salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
The Ratatouille Bread Pudding Casserole is a unique and flavorful dish that transforms stale bread into a vegetable-packed delight. This casserole is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish during any season. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s a great way to enjoy the bounty of fresh produce while minimizing food waste.
Maple Blueberry Bread Pudding
This Maple Blueberry Bread Pudding is a deliciously sweet dessert that features stale bread, juicy blueberries, and the warmth of maple syrup. It’s an ideal choice for breakfast or dessert, making the most of leftover bread while offering a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (brioche or challah recommended)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the stale bread cubes in the baking dish and scatter the blueberries over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
The Maple Blueberry Bread Pudding is a delightful way to savor the sweetness of blueberries and maple syrup while utilizing stale bread. This dish is not only comforting and satisfying but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for brunch or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, it’s a dessert that will surely impress family and friends, encouraging them to come back for more!
Note: More recipes are coming soon!