Bagels are a beloved breakfast staple, but what do you do with the leftovers? Throwing them away seems like a waste, but simply eating them cold and hard isn’t always the most appetizing option. Luckily, there are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use up your leftover bagels, from breakfast to dessert.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ideas for repurposing your bagels. Whether you have just one leftover or a whole batch, you’ll find tasty inspiration for using up these doughy treats in new and exciting ways. So, let’s get started and turn those stale bagels into something delicious!
Toasted Bagel Chips: An Easy and Delicious Snack
When you’re left with stale or hard bagels, don’t despair. You can easily transform them into a crunchy and flavor-packed snack. Toasted bagel chips are a great way to make use of your leftovers and satisfy your cravings for something crispy.
To make toasted bagel chips, start by slicing your leftover bagels into thin rounds. Lay the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush them with a little olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or sesame seeds. Toast the chips in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Serve them with dips like hummus, guacamole, or cream cheese, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack. Toasted bagel chips are quick and simple to make, and they’re a perfect way to use up any leftover bagels you may have.
Savory Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Fun Brunch Dish
Savory Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Fun Brunch Dish
Bagels are a versatile ingredient that can be used for various types of dishes, and one of the dishes you can make with leftover bagels is a savory breakfast casserole. A breakfast casserole is a popular brunch dish that is not only delicious but also easy to make. It is a perfect dish for those who love eggs, cheese, and savory flavors.
To make a savory breakfast casserole using leftover bagels, you will need to gather your ingredients such as eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables, and your leftover bagels, of course. You can use different types of cheeses or vegetables, depending on your preference. This dish is also a great way to use up any leftover ham or sausage, making it a budget-friendly breakfast option. Add a side of fresh fruit, and you have yourself a complete brunch meal that is both hearty and fun.
Sweet Bagel Bread Pudding: A Dessert Twist on a Classic
Sweet Bagel Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert that transforms old leftover bagels into something absolutely delightful. This twist on a classic dessert recipe provides a unique flavor and texture that is sure to impress your taste buds. Just like any bread pudding recipe, you can use any flavor of leftover bagels you have on hand. However, if you want a sweeter taste, then cinnamon raisin, blueberry, or chocolate chip bagels are ideal choices.
To prepare the Sweet Bagel Bread Pudding, first, soak the bagels in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and butter for about 30 minutes. Then, bake in a preheated oven for about an hour or until the pudding is set and golden-brown on top. You can serve the pudding warm or cold with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It is an excellent dessert to bring to a potluck or gathering and will surely be a hit with everyone.
Bagel Bruschetta: A Creative and Fresh Appetizer
Bagel Bruschetta is a unique and delicious way to use up leftover bagels. This creative and fresh appetizer is perfect for a party, a get-together, or even as a quick snack. The dish is simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste and preferences.
To make Bagel Bruschetta, you can slice your leftover bagel thinly and toast it until it’s crispy on both sides. Then, you can add your favorite toppings like fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. The mixture of fresh toppings on top of the toasted bagel creates a mouthwatering appetizer that is a hit with everyone who tries it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bagels and get creative in the kitchen. Give this simple and tasty recipe a try and surprise your taste buds!
Bagel French Toast: A Fluffy and Flavorful Breakfast Option
Bagel French Toast is a delicious recipe that is easy to prepare. To make this dish, slice the leftover bagels into thick pieces and dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Then, fry them in a buttered pan until they are golden brown on both sides.
The result is a fluffy and flavorful breakfast option that is perfect for starting your day on the right foot. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream. Bagel French Toast is a great way to use up leftover bagels and is sure to become a family favorite.
Bagel Paninis: A Quick and Filling Lunchtime Favorite
If you’re looking for a quick and filling lunchtime favorite, look no further than bagel paninis. A panini is essentially a grilled sandwich, and with a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
First, start by slicing your leftover bagel in half horizontally. Spread your favorite sauce on one half, such as pesto, mustard or hummus. Next, layer on your choice of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Popular combinations include turkey, bacon, and avocado with cheddar cheese, or ham and Swiss cheese with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Place the other half of the bagel on top, and cook in a panini press or on a griddle until the cheese is melted and the bagel is crispy. The result is a mouth-watering lunch that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Bagel Pizza: A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal for Busy Weeknights
Bagel pizza is one of the most delicious and convenient meals you can make with leftover bagels. The best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re pressed for time.
To make bagel pizza, you’ll need a few bagels, your favorite pizza toppings, and some cheese. First, slice the bagels in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half, then add your toppings and cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling. You can also prepare these ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights. Bagel pizzas are sure to please even the pickiest eaters and are a great way to use up leftover bagels in a delicious way.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to waste leftover bagels anymore as we have several creative ways to make use of them. From making breakfast sandwiches, French toast, croutons, bagel chips, pizza crust, bread pudding, and even breadcrumbs, you can get creative with leftover bagels to whip up something delicious and satisfying.
Bagels are versatile and can be turned into various dishes without sacrificing taste and quality. With the ideas shared above, you can transform waste into a delight and save some money in the process. So, don’t throw out those leftover bagels anymore and get creative in the kitchen!