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There are plenty of delicious and clever things you can do with extra bagels, so they never go to waste.
If you’ve got a dozen bagels sitting on your counter and you’re wondering what to do with extra bagels, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that extra bagels are actually a gift, because they are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into new meals or frozen for later.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to use up extra bagels, from crunchy snacks to savory dinners, and even how to store them so you always have a stash ready.
Let’s dive right in and give those extra bagels a second life.
The Best Ways To Use Extra Bagels
When you’re staring at extra bagels, the first thing to remember is that they are basically a blank canvas.
The best ways to use extra bagels start with reviving them, because a stale bagel just needs a little heat to become soft and chewy again.
Once you’ve brought them back to life, you can turn them into everything from breakfast casseroles to pizza bases.
Here are our favorite methods for using up extra bagels.
1. Make Bagel Chips or Crostini
One of the simplest things to do with extra bagels is to slice them thin and turn them into crispy chips.
You can make bagel chips by cutting the extra bagels into ¼-inch rounds, brushing them with olive oil, and baking them until golden.
These chips are amazing with hummus, dips, or even just sprinkled with salt and garlic powder.
Using extra bagels this way gives you a crunchy, salty snack that’s far better than any store-bought cracker.
You can also use these slices as crostini for bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.
2. Create Bagel Croutons for Salads and Soups
If you have extra bagels, another fantastic idea is to cube them and toast them into croutons.
These bagel croutons add a wonderful chew and crunch to any salad or bowl of soup.
To make them, cut the extra bagels into bite-sized cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and any herbs you like.
Bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until they are crisp on the outside but still slightly soft in the middle.
This is a great way to use up extra bagels that are just starting to go stale, because the toasting process makes them amazing again.
3. Whip Up a Bagel Breakfast Casserole
One of the most satisfying ways to use up extra bagels is to make a hearty breakfast casserole.
Tear or cube your extra bagels and place them in a baking dish with eggs, milk, cheese, and your favorite add-ins like bacon or spinach.
Let it soak overnight so the bagel pieces absorb all the custard, then bake it in the morning.
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s one of the tastiest things to do with extra bagels.
The bagels puff up and become soft and savory, making a comfort food breakfast you’ll crave.
4. Turn Them Into Bagel Bread Pudding
For a sweet twist, you can definitely use extra bagels in a dessert bread pudding.
Use plain or cinnamon-raisin bagels for this, and cube them up.
Mix them with a custard of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then bake until set.
The result is a rich, comforting dessert that is a brilliant answer to what to do with extra bagels.
Top it with a caramel sauce or fresh berries, and no one will ever know it started with leftover bagels.
How To Store And Freeze Extra Bagels Properly
The best way to manage extra bagels is to know how to store them so they don’t go bad in the first place.
If you know you won’t eat them within two days, freezing is your best bet.
When you have extra bagels, you can freeze them whole or sliced, and they will last for up to three months.
Freezing extra bagels is easy, just place them in a zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and pop them in the freezer.
The key to enjoying frozen bagels is to toast them directly from the freezer, no need to thaw first.
This simple approach ensures you always have a quick breakfast on hand.
1. Slice Before Freezing
A pro tip for storing extra bagels is to slice them before you freeze them.
This way, you can grab a single slice or a whole half without having to wrestle with a frozen rock.
Sliced extra bagels also toast more evenly, and you can use them for sandwiches directly from the toaster.
This is a game-changer for busy mornings.
2. Use Parchment Paper Between Slices
If you have extra bagels and want to store them together, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice.
This prevents them from sticking together in the freezer, so you can easily pull apart just what you need.
It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in how easy it is to use frozen bagels.
So, What To Do With Extra Bagels? Your Final Options
So, what to do with extra bagels is actually a question with many delicious answers.
You can turn extra bagels into chips, croutons, casseroles, or sweet puddings.
You can also freeze extra bagels to enjoy later, which is perhaps the smartest option of all.
What to do with extra bagels is limited only by your imagination, so don’t let them sit on the counter and go hard.
Use these ideas to transform your leftovers into exciting new meals.
Whether you are craving something savory or sweet, your extra bagels are ready to be put to work.
So go ahead and use up those extra bagels today, and you’ll never waste another one again.
Remember, having extra bagels is never a problem, it’s an opportunity.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every last bite of those amazing bagels.