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What to do with extra bagels is a question that every bagel lover faces at some point.
You bought a dozen, but your eyes were bigger than your stomach.
Or maybe you got a variety pack and now you’re stuck with more carbs than you can handle.
The good news is that there are so many creative ways to use up those extra bagels that you’ll never want to waste one again.
In this post, we’ll explore the best methods for storing, repurposing, and transforming your extra bagels into delicious new meals.
Let’s dive in and turn that surplus into something spectacular.
Why You Should Never Toss Your Extra Bagels
Extra bagels are a gift, not a burden.
When you have extra bagels, you have a blank canvas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Throwing them away is a waste of money and a waste of potential.
Instead, think of your extra bagels as a versatile ingredient that can be used in dozens of recipes.
From sweet to savory, there isn’t much that a bagel can’t do.
Here’s why holding onto those extra bagels is always a smart move:
1. They Freeze Beautifully
The easiest solution for extra bagels is to freeze them.
Extra bagels freeze like a dream and can last for up to three months.
Just wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a zip-top freezer bag.
When you’re ready to eat one, pop it directly in the toaster from the freezer, and it will taste almost as fresh as the day you bought it.
This is the number one answer for what to do with extra bagels because it preserves them perfectly.
2. They Make the Best Croutons
Your extra bagels are the secret to the most amazing homemade croutons.
Cut those extra bagels into small cubes and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs.
Bake them in the oven until they are golden and crunchy.
These bagel croutons are perfect for salads, soups, or just snacking.
They add a chewy, flavorful crunch that regular bread just can’t match.
You’ll never look at store-bought croutons the same way again.
3. They Transform Into Breadcrumbs
If you have extra bagels that are getting a little stale, don’t panic.
Stale extra bagels are actually perfect for making breadcrumbs.
Just tear them into pieces and pulse them in a food processor until they are finely ground.
You can use these breadcrumbs to coat chicken, top a casserole, or bind meatballs.
Plus, making breadcrumbs is one of the most practical answers to the question of what to do with extra bagels.
Creative Breakfast Ideas for Extra Bagels
Start your day by using up those extra bagels in the most delicious way.
There is no reason to let your extra bagels go to waste when they can become the star of your morning meal.
Here are some fantastic breakfast transformations for your extra bagels:
1. Bagel Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to feed a crowd with your extra bagels.
Cut your extra bagels into chunks and place them in a greased baking dish.
Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon.
Pour the mixture over the bagels and let it soak overnight.
In the morning, bake it until it’s puffy and golden.
It’s a hearty, savory dish that turns your extra bagels into a feast.
2. Sweet French Toast Bagels
Instead of using regular bread, make French toast with your extra bagels.
Slice them in half (or into thick rounds) and dip them in a batter of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Cook them on a griddle until both sides are beautifully browned.
The dense, chewy texture of the bagels makes for an incredibly satisfying French toast.
Top with maple syrup and fresh berries for a breakfast that feels like a special treat.
3. Bagel Chips for Everything
When you need a snack, bagel chips are the answer for your extra bagels.
Slice your extra bagels very thin, brush them with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
Bake them at a low temperature until they are crisp.
These chips are incredible with dips like hummus, cream cheese, or guacamole.
You can even make a sweet version with cinnamon and sugar.
It’s a quick and easy snack that uses up a lot of extra bagels at once.
Savory Lunch and Dinner Makeovers
Your extra bagels aren’t just for the morning, they can also be the foundation for amazing lunches and dinners.
Using extra bagels in savory dishes is a creative way to stretch your groceries.
Check out these dinner ideas that will make you forget you’re eating leftovers:
1. Ultimate Bagel Pizzas
Personal bagel pizzas are an instant hit, especially if you have kids.
Split your extra bagels in half and use them as the crust.
Spread each half with marinara sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings.
Bake them in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside pizza base that’s pure perfection.
It’s one of the easiest ways to use up extra bagels for a fast weeknight dinner.
2. Bagel Panzanella Salad
Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad, and it’s even better with extra bagels.
Tear your extra bagels into bite-sized pieces and toast them with olive oil until they’re golden.
Toss them with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil.
Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette and let it sit for a few minutes.
The bagels soak up all the juices and flavors, creating a delicious and textured salad.
3. Bagel Dumplings
This is a wild card, but using extra bagels to make dumplings is genius.
Soak your extra bagels in milk until they are soft, then squeeze out the excess liquid.
Mix them with ground meat, parmesan cheese, and spices.
Form the mixture into balls and simmer them in your favorite soup or marinara sauce.
These bagel dumplings are soft, filling, and a unique way to answer what to do with extra bagels.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Who said bagels have to be savory?
Your extra bagels can be the base for some incredible desserts.
When you have extra bagels with a sweet flavor, like cinnamon raisin, dessert is the way to go.
Let’s look at some indulgent options for your extra bagels:
1. Bagel Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s a fantastic use for extra bagels.
Tear your extra bagels into pieces and place them in a baking dish.
Pour a custard made of eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla over the top.
You can even add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra richness.
Bake until the pudding is set and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
The chewy bagels give this dessert a wonderful texture that regular bread can’t provide.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Bagel Chips
I mentioned savory chips earlier, but sweet chips are just as good for your extra bagels.
Slice them thin and toss them with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
Bake them until they are crisp and caramelized.
These make an amazing topping for ice cream or yogurt.
They’re also a great snack to munch on when you’re craving something sweet.
3. Bagel “Donuts”
Turn your extra bagels into donuts for a fun weekend project.
Brush your extra bagels with melted butter and bake them until they are slightly toasted.
Then, dip them in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
You can coat them in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder.
In just a few minutes, you have a box of “donuts” that are a delightful use for your extra bagels.
So, What to Do with Extra Bagels?
There are endless possibilities for what to do with extra bagels.
From freezing them for later to turning them into croutons, breadcrumbs, casseroles, pizzas, and desserts, you can use extra bagels in so many delicious ways.
The next time you find yourself with a surplus, don’t let them go stale.
Whether you are in the mood for a savory meal or a sweet treat, your extra bagels are ready to be transformed.
So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy every last bite of your bagel haul.