Got stale brioche? Here’s what to do!
What To Know
- These breadcrumbs can be used as a coating for fried foods, as a binder in meatballs or burgers, or as a topping for casseroles.
- Cut the brioche into cubes, soak it in a mixture of sweet wine, dried fruit, and candied citrus peel, and bake it in a bundt pan.
- Store stale brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Stale brioche, once a culinary delight, can quickly become a forgotten loaf in the back of your pantry. But don’t despair! This classic French bread has a plethora of delicious and creative uses beyond its prime. From sweet to savory, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do with stale brioche that will transform your stale bread into culinary masterpieces.
Croutons and Stuffing
Stale brioche makes excellent croutons. Cut it into cubes, toss it with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings, and bake until golden brown. These crispy croutons will add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and casseroles. Similarly, you can use stale brioche to make stuffing for poultry or vegetables. Combine it with sautéed aromatics, herbs, and broth for a flavorful and aromatic filling.
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that transforms stale bread into a delectable treat. Cut the brioche into cubes, soak it in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, and bake until golden brown and custard-like. Serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.
French Toast
Stale brioche is the perfect base for French toast. Slice it into thick slices, dip it into a batter made with milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, and fry it until golden brown on both sides. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as butter, syrup, or fruit.
Breadcrumbs
Grind stale brioche into breadcrumbs using a food processor or blender. These breadcrumbs can be used as a coating for fried foods, as a binder in meatballs or burgers, or as a topping for casseroles.
Panettone
If your stale brioche is sufficiently dense and sweet, you can transform it into a Christmas-style panettone. Cut the brioche into cubes, soak it in a mixture of sweet wine, dried fruit, and candied citrus peel, and bake it in a bundt pan.
Savory Bread Pudding
For a savory twist, try making savory bread pudding with stale brioche. Combine it with sautéed vegetables, cheese, and herbs, and bake it until golden brown. Serve it as a side dish or main course.
Takeaways: From Stale to Stellar
Stale brioche may seem like a culinary dead end, but with a little creativity, it can be transformed into a variety of delectable dishes. Whether you’re craving croutons, bread pudding, French toast, breadcrumbs, panettone, savory bread pudding, or even stuffing, stale brioche offers a blank canvas for your culinary adventures. So, next time you find yourself with a loaf of stale brioche, don’t throw it away—embrace its potential and create something truly extraordinary.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use stale brioche for breadsticks?
A: Yes, cut stale brioche into thin strips, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Bake until golden brown for crispy breadsticks.
Q: How long can I store stale brioche?
A: Store stale brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use stale brioche to make croutons in the microwave?
A: Yes, cut stale brioche into cubes and toss with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings. Spread on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown.
Q: Can I use stale brioche to make dumplings?
A: Yes, crumble stale brioche and mix it with ground meat, onions, and seasonings. Form into dumplings and simmer in soup or stew.
Q: Can I use stale brioche to make a breakfast strata?
A: Yes, layer stale brioche slices with cheese, eggs, and cooked vegetables in a baking dish. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for a hearty breakfast casserole.
