What To Do With Leftover Sourdough Bread (Easy Ideas & Recipes)
Today I am sharing a few ideas to make the most of your leftover sourdough bread!
For holidays like Easter, I am usually either hosting my family or gathering with my family for Easter dinner after church. A crowd pleaser is always sourdough bread, and sometimes it can be easy to end up with extra loaves if you’re baking for large groups.
I’m not saying this always happens to me, as I have four growing boys and a husband who loves bread haha but on the rare occasion I do have extras, I never let it go to waste! There are plenty of simple, delicious ways to use it up, even if it has started to go a little stale. Here are some easy ideas to make the most of your leftover sourdough bread!
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What Can You Do With Leftover Sourdough Bread?
Leftover sourdough bread can be used in a variety of simple ways. Even slightly stale bread works perfectly for a lot of recipes. Today I’m sharing three easy ideas that might just convince you to start baking extra sourdough loaves every time haha
Some of the easiest options include:
- French toast
- Homemade croutons
- Toast or crostini
Make French Toast
French toast is a more of a decadent dessert than a breakfast, but if you’re using leftover sourdough bread, local eggs and pure maple syrup, it’s a satisfying option for your family!
Have you ever tried coconut French toast? After dipping your bread in the egg mixture, press the bread slice in some coconut shavings and then fry in butter. It’s so good, especially with some fruit and whipped cream!
Sourdough French Toast (Easy Recipe Using Leftover Bread)
This easy sourdough French toast is the perfect way to use leftover sourdough bread. The slightly tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the rich egg mixture, creating slices that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or using up extra bread.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf leftover sourdough bread sliced thick
- 12 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1/4 cup milk
- Butter for frying
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and milk until fully combined.
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Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
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Place slices of sourdough bread into the dish and allow them to soak well. Let each side soak for at least 3 minutes so the bread absorbs the mixture. (If using drier or gluten-free bread, soak for about 5 minutes per side.)
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Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt butter to coat the surface.
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Add the soaked bread slices to the pan and cook until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.
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Remove from the pan and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
- Slightly stale sourdough works best because it absorbs the egg mixture well.
- Be sure to fully soak each slice for the best texture.
- Adjust cinnamon based on your preference. Serve with: maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream or powdered sugar!
Make Homemade Croutons
Homemade croutons are one of the easiest ways to use leftover sourdough bread. It really is so simple that homemade croutons are my go-to crouton option for salads. In fact, if you plan to bring a salad to Easter dinner like I am, you may want to make a loaf just for croutons!
To make croutons:
- Cut the bread into cubes
- Toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings
- Bake until golden and crisp
These are perfect for salads, soups, or even as a crunchy snack.
Toast It
Toast may seem like a no-brainer, but leftover sourdough bread toasts beautifully and can be served so many ways. Breakfast sandwiches with toasted sourdough are so delicious! Or you can just opt for a simple spread of butter or jam.
Try it with:
- Butter and jam
- Avocado
- Honey or nut butter
Using Up Sourdough After Easter
After Easter meals and family gatherings, you may find yourself with extra bread on hand. These simple ideas make it easy to use up leftover sourdough without wasting it!
If you need a fresh loaf, you can find my sourdough bread recipe below:
Simple Sourdough Bread in a Dutch Oven
Super simple sourdough bread recipe that anyone can make!
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Active Sourdough Starter
- 1 1/2 Cup Warm Filtered Water
- 4 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, add your flour and salt. Dissolve your sourdough starter in the warm water until it is dissolved completely and add it to your flour and salt mixture
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Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly until your dough is formed, cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes
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Pull sections of your dough away from the main portion to fold and activate the dough on all four sides
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Cover your dough with a damp towel and set aside to allow it to rise for a minimum of 6 hours
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Once your dough has risen a minimum of 6 hours, remove your dough from the mixing bowl onto a floured surface
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Shape the dough by folding four different sides again into the center of your dough and let your dough rest 10-15 minutes
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Place the dough into a bowl lined with a floured towel or banneton cover and let rise an additional 60 minutes
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Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
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Once your dough has risen an additional 60 minutes, cover with parchment paper and flip your bowl upside down, dropping your dough onto the paper
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Take a sharp knife or bread lame and score your bread
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Take all four corners of the parchment paper to lift your dough and place it into the dutch oven covered. Bake for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes.
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After 20 minutes, remove loaf from dutch oven onto a cooling rack
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Let finished loaf rest for an hour, serve and enjoy!
More Sourdough Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy baking with sourdough or if you are just getting started in sourdough, you might also like:
- Sourdough Starter – Beginner’s Guide
- 25 Simple Family Breakfast Ideas
- Budget Friendly Easter Recipes
Leftover sourdough bread is easy to use in simple, everyday recipes. Whether you make French toast, croutons, or just enjoy a slice of toast, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste.
How do you use leftover sourdough bread? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you enjoyed these simple leftover sourdough bread ideas, and be sure to sign up for my free mini homemaking course below for more cooking and baking inspiration!
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