Welcome back to The Bagel Blog! At Gotham Bagels, we believe in making the most out of every single bagel, even the day-olds. While there’s nothing quite like a fresh bagel, day-old bagels hold a charm of their own, perfect for crafting delicious, inventive dishes. Today, we’re exploring some creative ways to use your leftover bagels in recipes ranging from savory croutons to sweet dessert bases. Let’s get those creative juices flowing and turn those leftovers into something spectacular!

Savory Innovations

1. Bagel Croutons: Transform your day-old bagels into crunchy, flavorful croutons that are ideal for soups and salads. Simply cube the bagels, toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, and your choice of herbs (like rosemary or thyme), and bake in the oven until golden and crisp. Whether sprinkled over a Caesar salad or a creamy tomato soup, these croutons add the perfect crunch.

2. Bagel Stuffing: Who says stuffing is only for Thanksgiving? Dice your leftover bagels and dry them out in the oven. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots, then mix with the bagel pieces, seasonings like sage and thyme, and enough broth to moisten. Bake until golden brown and enjoy a unique twist on a classic side dish.

3. Bagel Bread Pudding: Create a savory bread pudding by layering chunks of day-old bagels with cheese, cooked vegetables, and meats like bacon or sausage. Mix eggs with milk, pour over the bagel mixture, and bake until set. It’s a hearty dish that works for any meal of the day.

Sweet Treats

1. Bagel French Toast Casserole: Slice your day-old bagels and arrange them in a baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon, and pour it over the bagels. Let soak overnight, then bake until puffy and golden.

2. Serve with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast delight.

3. Chocolate Bagel Bread Pudding: For a sweet take on bread pudding, use cinnamon raisin or plain bagels as your base. Cube and soak them in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add chunks of dark chocolate and a splash of vanilla. Bake until you have a gooey, chocolatey dessert that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Bagel Cheesecake Crust: Grind your day-old bagels into crumbs and mix with melted butter and a bit of sugar. Press this mixture into a pie pan or springform pan to form a unique, tasty crust for cheesecakes or other pie fillings.

Quick Snacks

1. Bagel Chips: Slice your bagels thin, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake until crispy. These bagel chips are perfect for dipping into hummus, cream cheese spreads, or your favorite dip.

2. Pizza Bagels: Top your day-old bagels with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and enjoy a quick, easy snack or meal that pleases all ages.

Day-old bagels are far from a lost cause; they're an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re turning them into a savory casserole or a sweet dessert, leftover bagels can be the foundation for many delicious and inventive dishes. Next time you find yourself with a few extra bagels from Gotham Bagels, try one of these recipes and give them a second life. Happy cooking, and keep your eyes peeled for more tasty tips and recipes here on The Bagel Blog!