7 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Sourdough Bread

We love fresh sourdough bread around here—but what happens when you have a little more bread than you can eat before it's no longer at its freshest?

Don't throw it away!

One of the best things about sourdough is how versatile it is. A loaf that's a few days old can be transformed into something completely new and delicious.

Here are seven of our favorite ways to use leftover sourdough bread.

1. Make Homemade Croutons

This might be our favorite way to use leftover bread. Cut your sourdough into cubes, toss with melted butter or olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden and crispy.

Use your homemade croutons on:

• Caesar salad

• Garden salads

• Tomato soup

• Chili

• Pasta salads

Tip: Rosemary Garlic or Herbed Butter sourdough makes especially flavorful croutons.

2. Turn It Into French Toast

Day-old bread is actually perfect for French toast because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.

Try our Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough with eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup for an incredible weekend breakfast.

For something a little different, try our Blueberry Lemon Sourdough topped with whipped cream and fresh blueberries or our Date Orange Walnut Sourdough with maple syrup and orange marmalade.

Breakfast will never be the same!

3. Make Garlic Bread

Slice your leftover sourdough, spread it with butter mixed with garlic and herbs, and toast until golden.

Our Rosemary Garlic, Herbed Butter, or Pesto loaves make this especially easy because they're already packed with flavor.

Serve alongside pasta, soup, grilled meats, or a fresh salad.

4. Make Breadcrumbs

Don't buy breadcrumbs when you can make your own!

Let your sourdough dry completely, then pulse it in a food processor until you reach your desired texture.

Season with garlic, Italian herbs, Parmesan, or your favorite spices.

Use homemade breadcrumbs for:

• Chicken Parmesan

• Meatballs

• Mac and cheese

• Casseroles

• Breaded chicken or vegetables

5. Make a Grilled Cheese

A slightly older loaf can make an incredible grilled cheese.

Try:

Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough + cheddar + pepper jack

or

Rosemary Garlic Sourdough + mozzarella + Parmesan

or

Pesto Sourdough + havarti+gouda

Cook slowly in butter until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Pair it with tomato soup and you've got the ultimate comfort meal.

6. Make a Breakfast Strata

Strata is a wonderful make-ahead breakfast.

Layer cubed sourdough with eggs, cheese, vegetables, meat, or herbs. Pour an egg mixture over everything and let it sit before baking.

It's perfect for:

• Weekend brunch

• Overnight guests

• Holiday mornings

• Meal prep

It's also an excellent way to use several slices of bread at once.

7. Make Homemade Stuffing

Don't wait until Thanksgiving!

Sourdough makes fantastic stuffing any time of year.

Cube your bread and combine it with sautéed onions, celery, butter, herbs, and broth. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.

Rosemary Garlic or Herbed Butter sourdough would make an especially flavorful version.

How to Keep Your Sourdough Fresh Longer

If you know you won't finish a loaf right away, freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve it. Slice the loaf before freezing so you can take out exactly what you need. Individual slices can go straight into the toaster, while larger portions can be thawed at room temperature.

And remember: fresh doesn't have to mean wasted.

A loaf that's past its prime for sandwiches may be exactly what you need for French toast, croutons, breadcrumbs, or stuffing.

Which One Will You Try?

The next time you have a few slices of sourdough left, don't throw them away. Turn them into something delicious!

And if you're ready for a fresh loaf for this week's meals, we're always baking in small batches with plenty of flavor to choose from. Fresh bread today can become tomorrow's French toast, next week's croutons, or the best grilled cheese you've ever made.

That's the beauty of sourdough!

Fresh. Local. Small Batch. Made with care.

Don't forget to save this post!

You'll want to come back the next time you have leftover sourdough on your counter.