Got stale bagels? Don’t worry—there’s no need to toss them! Stale bagels might seem like a lost cause, but they’re actually a secret ingredient for all kinds of creative dishes. With a little imagination, you can turn those leftover bagels into crunchy snacks, hearty breakfasts, or even dinner-worthy meals. Check out these 10 mouthwatering ways to repurpose your stale bagels.
1. Bagel French Toast Bake
If you love French toast, why not try it with bagels? Cut your stale bagels into cubes, then soak them overnight in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Bake it the next morning for a rich, custardy breakfast casserole that’s perfect for weekend brunch.
Pro Tip: Top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar!
2. Bagel Chips
Stale bagels are perfect for making crispy, homemade bagel chips. Slice the bagels thinly, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasoning (like garlic or everything bagel), and bake until golden brown. These crunchy chips are great for dipping in hummus or salsa.
3. Bagel Bread Pudding
Turn stale bagels into a sweet dessert by making bagel bread pudding. Cut the bagels into chunks and toss them with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Bake with chocolate chips, raisins, or fresh fruit for a cozy, custardy dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
4. Bagel Croutons
Take your salad or soup to the next level by adding homemade bagel croutons. Simply cube the stale bagels, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, and bake until crispy. They add a perfect crunch to Caesar salads or creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash.
5. Bagel Strata
A strata is a savory, layered breakfast casserole, and stale bagels work perfectly in place of bread. Combine bagel cubes with eggs, milk, cheese, and your favorite add-ins like sausage, spinach, or mushrooms. Let it soak overnight and bake for a hearty breakfast that’s easy to feed a crowd.
6. Bagel Panzanella
Give stale bagels an Italian twist by turning them into panzanella, a rustic bread salad. Cube the bagels and toss them with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Let the flavors meld together, and you’ve got a vibrant, crunchy salad that’s great as a side or light lunch.
7. Bagel Pizza
For a quick and fun meal, make mini pizzas using stale bagels. Split the bagels, top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is bubbly. It’s like a bagel bite, but way better (and more satisfying).
8. Bagel Stuffing
Stale bagels make a fantastic base for stuffing. Cut the bagels into chunks and mix them with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, herbs, and chicken or veggie broth. Bake until the top is golden and crispy for a delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any roasted dinner.
9. Bagel Frittata
Add some heartiness to your frittata by tossing in cubed stale bagels. Sauté some veggies, then pour in beaten eggs and add bagel chunks. Sprinkle with cheese, then bake or cook on the stovetop until the eggs are set. This is an excellent way to turn your leftovers into a filling breakfast or lunch.
10. Bagel Breadcrumbs
Stale bagels can easily be transformed into breadcrumbs for topping casseroles or breading meat. Pulse the bagels in a food processor until you get fine crumbs, then toast them in the oven for a crunchy finish. You’ll never buy breadcrumbs again!
Bonus: Bagel Casserole
Feeling adventurous? Make a savory bagel casserole by layering stale bagel pieces with cooked sausage or bacon, sautéed veggies, and a cheesy egg mixture. Bake until golden brown for a hearty dinner that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
No More Wasting Bagels!
Don’t let stale bagels go to waste—they’re the perfect base for so many delicious dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet like bread pudding or looking for a crunchy snack like bagel chips, these ideas will help you turn leftover bagels into something truly mouthwatering. Try one (or all!) of these recipes and give new life to your stale bagels.