What To Do With Old Bagels

There are plenty of great things to do with old bagels, so you definitely don’t need to toss them in the trash.
 
Old bagels are the perfect starting point for crunchy toppings, savory snacks, and even sweet treats you’ll actually crave.
 
If you’ve ever stared at a stale bagel and wondered what to do with old bagels, you’ll be happy to know the options are endless and mostly delicious.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with old bagels using easy methods that transform them into something better than the original.
 
Let’s dig into the best ways to give those old bagels a brand-new purpose.
 

Why Old Bagels Are Perfect for Repurposing

Old bagels actually have a texture that makes them ideal for cooking projects because they get dry and dense, which is exactly what you want.
 
When you know what to do with old bagels, you’re working with a blank canvas that soaks up flavors beautifully without turning mushy.
 
The stale crumb holds its shape during baking and frying, so your finished dish comes out crisp and sturdy rather than soggy.
 
Plus, old bagels are essentially pre-portioned, meaning you don’t have to do much prep work before turning them into something amazing.
 
So instead of asking what to do with old bagels like they’re a problem, think of them as a secret ingredient in your kitchen.
 

1. Old Bagels Make the Best Homemade Croutons

One of the easiest answers to what to do with old bagels is to cut them into cubes and make croutons.
 
Toss the bagel cubes in olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs before baking them at 375°F for about 15 minutes.
 
The old bagels turn golden and crunchy, which is perfect for salads, soups, or even snacking straight from the pan.
 
You can use a plain bagel for neutral croutons or a everything bagel for an extra punch of flavor.
 
And once you make croutons from old bagels, you’ll never buy the store-bought kind again.
 

2. Use Old Bagels for Bread Pudding

What to do with old bagels when you want something sweet? Make a rich and cozy bread pudding.
 
Chop the old bagels into chunks and soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
 
Let them sit for at least half an hour so the stale bagels absorb all that custard goodness.
 
Bake everything until the top is golden and the center is set, then serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
 
Old bagels add a chewy texture to bread pudding that regular bread just can’t match.
 

3. Transform Old Bagels into Bagel Chips

If you’re wondering what to do with old bagels for a crispy snack, bagel chips are the answer you need.
 
Slice the old bagels as thinly as you can, then brush each slice with melted butter or olive oil.
 
Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking.
 
Bake the slices at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re perfectly dehydrated and crunchy.
 
These bagel chips from old bagels are fantastic with hummus, cream cheese dips, or guacamole.
 

Creative Savory Dishes Using Old Bagels

You have plenty of savory options when you want to know what to do with old bagels beyond the usual snacks.
 
Old bagels can become the base for hearty meals that feel intentional and fresh, not like leftovers.
 
From pizza to stuffing, the dense texture of an old bagel holds up to bold sauces and heavy toppings.
 
Here are some creative savory dishes that prove what to do with old bagels is a fun challenge, not a chore.
 

1. Make Mini Bagel Pizzas

Slice old bagels in half and you have the perfect individual pizza crust.
 
Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on each cut side, then sprinkle with mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
 
Broil the old bagel pizzas for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp.
 
The chewiness of the old bagel gives these mini pizzas a satisfying bite that’s perfect for lunch or a snack.
 
You’ll never wonder what to do with old bagels again once you try this quick dinner idea.
 

2. Turn Old Bagels into Savory Stuffing

Mix cubed old bagels with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs for a unique stuffing.
 
Moisten the bagel cubes with chicken or vegetable broth, then bake until the top is crispy.
 
For what to do with old bagels, this savory stuffing works perfectly alongside roasted chicken or turkey.
 
The old bagels hold their shape during baking, giving you a stuffing that’s tender inside and crunchy on top.
 
You can also add cooked sausage or dried cranberries to make the stuffing even more special.
 

3. Use Old Bagels for Ultimate French Toast

While French toast is usually sweet, you can make a savory version using old bagels too.
 
Whisk eggs with milk, a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh chives, then soak thick bagel slices in the mixture.
 
Cook the old bagels on a buttered skillet until golden brown on both sides.
 
Serve this savory French toast with smoked salmon, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
 
It’s a creative answer to what to do with old bagels that feels like a restaurant-quality brunch.
 

Easy Sweet Treats You Can Make with Old Bagels

Sweet tooth? There’s no shortage of what to do with old bagels when you’re craving dessert.
 
Old bagels work surprisingly well as a base for cinnamon sugar snacks, crunchy granola, and even cake-like treats.
 
The slightly dense and chewy nature of old bagels gives these sweets a satisfying texture that’s all their own.
 
Here are a few sweet ideas that answer what to do with old bagels in a delicious way.
 

1. Bake Cinnamon Sugar Bagel Crisps

Cut old bagels into thin slices, then coat them in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
 
Bake the slices at 350°F until dry and crispy, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
 
These sweet crisps are perfect for dipping in melted chocolate or just munching on their own.
 
It’s a simple way to use old bagels that feels like a treat, not a compromise.
 

2. Make Bagel Crumb Crust for Cheesecake

What to do with old bagels that are too hard to chew? Grind them into fine crumbs in a food processor.
 
Mix the bagel crumbs with melted butter and a little sugar, then press the mixture into a pie dish.
 
Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set, then fill it with your favorite cheesecake or no-bake cream filling.
 
The old bagel crust is sturdy and slightly sweet, which pairs wonderfully with creamy fillings.
 

3. Whip Up Bagel Bread Crumbs for Topping

For a final sweet idea, pulverize old bagels and toast the crumbs with brown sugar and butter.
 
Sprinkle these buttery sweet crumbs over ice cream, yogurt, or baked fruit.
 
You can also use them as a topping for muffins or coffee cakes to add extra crunch.
 
It’s another quick answer to what to do with old bagels that adds flavor without much effort.
 

So, What To Do With Old Bagels?

There are so many things to do with old bagels that you’ll never waste another one again.
 
Old bagels make croutons, chips, pizzas, stuffing, French toast, and bread pudding, and that’s just the beginning.
 
The key is to stop seeing stale bagels as a problem and start seeing them as an opportunity for creativity.
 
Now you have a full list of what to do with old bagels, from quick snacks to full meals and desserts.
 
Next time you have old bagels sitting around, pick one of these ideas and give it a try today.