Discover more Bread Crumbs Bread Stuffing Kitchen supplies Bread pudding stuffing Pudding Fruit Bread Pudding Pan Pulled out some stale bread from pantry. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

If the bread is just stale but you’re still unsure, you can toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. This will further dry it out and help kill any lingering bacteria — and make it perfect for recipes.

👵 A Lesson in Frugality (and Flavor)

Your mother-in-law’s advice comes from a time when nothing went to waste, and for good reason. Stale bread was never considered trash — it was a starting point. Today, in a world where food waste is a growing issue, bringing back this mindset isn’t just economical — it’s responsible and even creative.

👩‍🍳 Final Thoughts: Trust Your Eyes — and Your Nose

If the bread passes the mold and smell test, don’t let its stiffness fool you — you’re holding a versatile kitchen ingredient in your hands. But don’t feel guilty if it’s truly spoiled. Being cautious isn’t wasteful — it’s wise.

So next time you find stale bread in the pantry, channel your inner kitchen thrifter, grab your pan, and transform it into something delicious. Your mother-in-law might just be onto something.