18 Creative Things to Do With Your Leftover Brioche Bread
Are you tired of throwing away leftover brioche? Don’t let it go to waste! With a little creativity, you can transform those extra brioche slices into mouthwatering dishes that will have you coming back for seconds.
In this blog, we’ll explore some innovative ways to use leftover brioche in delicious recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Savory Recipes With Leftover Brioche Bread
While brioche is commonly associated with sweet treats like French toast or bread pudding, its rich, buttery texture also makes it an excellent base for savory dishes.
In this section, we’ll explore ten savory recipes that will elevate your leftover brioche bread into gourmet meals.
1. Brioche Bread Stuffing
Make a tasty stuffing using leftover cubed brioche bread. Cook onions, celery, and garlic in butter until they’re soft, then mix them with the bread cubes, herbs like sage, thyme, parsley, chicken or veggie broth, and beaten eggs.
Bake until it’s golden and crispy for a perfect side dish, especially great for holiday dinners.
2. Brioche Bread Panzanella Salad
Turn leftover brioche bread into crispy croutons for a new take on the classic Italian bread salad. Toss toasted brioche cubes with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and fresh basil.
Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic for a refreshing and colorful salad.
3. Brioche Bread French Onion Soup
Upgrade your traditional French onion soup by using toasted brioche bread slices instead of the usual baguette. Pour rich and savory caramelized onion soup into oven-safe bowls, then top with a slice of toasted brioche.
Sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese and broil until it’s bubbly and golden for a luxurious twist on this classic dish.
4. Brioche Bread Crostini
Turn leftover brioche bread into elegant crostini perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Slice the brioche thinly, then toast it until it’s golden and crispy. Top it with savory toppings like goat cheese and fig jam, smoked salmon and dill cream cheese, or roasted cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a sophisticated and delicious bite-sized treat.
5. Brioche Bread Breakfast Strata
Make a savory breakfast casserole using leftover brioche bread as the base. Layer torn brioche pieces with cooked breakfast sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and shredded cheese in a baking dish.
Pour over a mixture of beaten eggs and milk seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, then refrigerate overnight. Bake until it’s puffed and golden for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.
6. Brioche Bread Grilled Cheese
Upgrade your grilled cheese sandwich by using leftover brioche bread. Spread one side of each slice with softened butter, then layer with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and caramelized onions.
Grill until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and melty and gooey on the inside for the ultimate comfort food experience.
7. Brioche Bread Croque Monsieur
Indulge in the classic French ham and cheese sandwich with leftover brioche bread as the base. Layer slices of brioche with thinly sliced ham and Gruyere cheese, then top with another slice of brioche.
Spread the top with bechamel sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden for a decadent and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
8. Brioche Bread Bruschetta
Put a savory twist on traditional bruschetta by using leftover brioche bread.
Slice the brioche thinly and toast until it’s golden and crispy. Top it with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for a fresh and flavorful appetizer or light meal.
9. Brioche Bread Tartines
Make open-faced sandwiches called tartines using leftover brioche bread as the base.
Spread slices of toasted brioche with creamy goat cheese or ricotta, then top with thinly sliced prosciutto, roasted vegetables, arugula, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sophisticated and satisfying lunch or snack.
10. Brioche Bread Pizza Bianca
Enjoy a gourmet twist on pizza by using leftover brioche bread as the crust for a white pizza. Brush slices of brioche with olive oil, then top with shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy for a deliciously decadent meal.
Sweet Recipes With Leftover Brioche Bread
Brioche bread can be repurposed into a variety of mouthwatering desserts. From bread pudding to French toast, here are 10 sweet recipes that will make you crave leftover brioche.
11. Brioche Bread Pudding
Start by cutting up your leftover brioche into cubes and putting them in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the brioche cubes, making sure they’re all coated well.
Let it sit for about 30 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard. Bake it in a preheated oven until it’s golden brown and set. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
12. Brioche French Toast
Turn your leftover brioche into a delicious breakfast or brunch treat by making French toast. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Dip slices of brioche into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated evenly.
Cook the slices on a buttered skillet until they’re golden and crispy. Serve them with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
13. Brioche Bread Crumbs
Transform your leftover brioche into homemade bread crumbs that can be used to coat chicken tenders, fish fillets, or as a topping for macaroni and cheese.
Simply tear the brioche into pieces and pulse it in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. Spread the crumbs onto a baking sheet and bake them in a low oven until they’re golden and crisp. Store them in an airtight container for future use.
14. Brioche Bread Pudding Muffins
For a portable twist on traditional bread pudding, make brioche bread pudding muffins. Cut your leftover brioche into small cubes and place them in greased muffin tins.
In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. Pour the mixture over the brioche cubes and bake until they’re puffed and golden. These individual servings are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a sweet snack.
15. Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
A classic British dessert, bread and butter pudding is a comforting treat that can easily be made with leftover brioche. Spread slices of brioche with softened butter and arrange them in a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the custard over the brioche slices and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Bake it until it’s golden and set, then serve it warm with custard or whipped cream.
16. Brioche Bread Croutons
Elevate your salads and soups by making brioche bread croutons. Cut your leftover brioche into small cubes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs or spices.
Spread the cubes onto a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven until they’re golden and crispy. These buttery croutons add a delicious crunch to any dish.
17. Brioche Bread Pudding Cake
Combine the best of both worlds with this indulgent dessert that combines bread pudding and cake. Tear your leftover brioche into small pieces and place them in a greased cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture over the brioche pieces and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard. Bake it until it’s golden and set, then serve slices of this decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
18. Brioche Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a fun and refreshing treat, make brioche bread ice cream sandwiches. Cut your leftover brioche into rounds using a cookie cutter and lightly toast them in a skillet or toaster.
Let the brioche rounds cool completely, then sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two slices.
Roll the edges of the sandwiches in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper and freeze them until they’re firm. Enjoy them straight from the freezer on a hot summer day.
How to Store Leftover Brioche
It’s important to store leftover brioche properly to keep it tasting fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some easy tips on how to do it:
- Wrap it up tight: To keep your brioche from drying out, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to cover the whole loaf or slices completely to lock in moisture and keep air out.
- Keep it at room temperature: If your brioche is freshly baked, you can leave it out at room temperature for 2-3 days. Just keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent it from going bad too soon.
- Freeze for later: If you have a bunch of leftover brioche or won’t eat it all right away, freezing is the way to go. Wrap it up well in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer bag or airtight container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze brioche for 2-3 months without it losing much quality.
- Thaw it out: When you’re ready to eat your frozen brioche, move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This helps it stay moist and prevents it from getting mushy.
- Warm it up: If you like your brioche warm, you can heat it in the oven or toaster oven. Just wrap it in foil and bake it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. Or, slice it up and toast it until it’s nice and crispy. Enjoy!
How Long Does Brioche Last Once Opened?
Once you crack open that pack of brioche, how long it lasts depends on how you stash it away. If you keep it snug in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temp, it should stay tasty for 2-3 days.
But if you pop it in the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to a week. For the long haul, freeze it for about 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap it up real tight in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before tossing it in the freezer to dodge the freezer burn.
Remember, freezing might tweak the texture and taste a bit, but it’s still a solid move to keep that brioche good for longer. Just trust your gut and give it a once-over for any funky smells or mold before chowing down on that opened brioche.
Conclusion
Leftover brioche bread doesn’t have to go to waste – with a little creativity and ingenuity, you can transform it into a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s a creative way to repurpose brioche bread for every occasion.
So next time you find yourself with leftover brioche, don’t hesitate to get inventive in the kitchen and see what delicious creations you can come up with!
