What To Do With Stale Breakfast Pastries

In an effort to prevent food waste, and as a great excuse to get creative, we're strong supporters of putting leftovers to good use. From yogurt to pickle juice, every ingredient in your kitchen can be repurposed and used for something new.

Take leftover breakfast pastries, for example. Throwing away baked goods is a crime no one should commit. On the rare occasion that you don't finish your croissant or scone, there are a number of ways to give your pastries new life. They deserve it, and so do you.

① Croissant French Toast
Yes, you can make French toast with leftover croissants, and, yes, you should. Slice them in half, proceed with your French toast recipe as usual and prepare to get close to nirvana. You may never make French toast with bread again.

② Doughnut Bread Pudding
You've already made banana bread pudding, so why not try it with doughnuts? Cake or yeast, gourmet or boxed—any doughnut will do.

③ Waffle Everything
Yes, you can waffle pretty much any breakfast pastry. Toasting leftovers is always a good plan, but pressing them in the waffle iron is even better. We've tried it with City Bakery's pretzel croissant, and it's glorious. Why not a doughnut or bagel waffle, too? Just imagine the cream cheese filling in all those nooks.

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④ Bagel Croutons
Cut stale or lackluster bagels into cubes and toast them over the stove or in the oven. Whether they're plain or everything bagels, they'll make great additions to soups or salads.

⑤ Scone Crumble
Leftover scones are going to be pretty hard, so instead of fighting that texture, embrace it. Crumble up old scones, toast them if you choose and sprinkle them on top of ice cream or pie.