Everyday Food: Great Hot Sandwiches, Vegetable Patties and Lasagna Using Stale Bread

Stale white bread does not have to go straight into the bin. The article presents three ways to use it in everyday cooking: as the base for mini pizzas, as part of zucchini patties and in place of lasagna sheets.

For the mini pizzas, eight slices of wheat toast are rolled flat and placed on a baking tray. They are covered with a tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, salt, white-wine vinegar and sugar, then topped with grated mozzarella. Artichoke hearts and olives go on some slices, while mushrooms and cured ham go on the rest. The bread bakes at 225°C for 10 to 12 minutes and is finished with basil and olive oil.

The article also uses stale bread crumbs in zucchini patties. The crumbs absorb liquid released by grated zucchini before parsley, lemon zest, egg, grated cheese, flour and seasoning are added. The patties are served with a cream made from parsley, lemon juice, sour cream and pesto.

A third suggestion is to replace lasagna sheets with slices of toast. Together, the recipes turn leftover bread into warm, practical meals rather than food waste.