What to Do with Leftover Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns
Grill season is upon us here and invariably I find I end up with a few leftover buns. Here are a few ideas on using them up!
Bread Crumbs
These are a bit obvious perhaps but if you’ve not made your own before, here’s how. Let them air dry a bit or speed them up in a low oven. Then grind them up in your blender or food processor. Freeze them in a freezer bag and you can easily pull out just what you need later.
Croutons
Nearly as obvious but still…. Cube them and toss with some olive oil and the seasonings of your choices. I like some garlic powder and parsley at the least. Cook them in a moderate or low oven until lightly browned. Add to soups and salads.
Bread Pudding
Anything you can do with leftover bread, you can do with leftover hamburger and hotdog buns. Use this recipe for bread pudding as a starting point.
Frankfurter Circles
Okay, leftover hamburger buns with hot dogs. Talk about using up the odd mix?! A childhood favorite of mine that my grandma used to make. I really need to get a picture on here as it’s definitely worth a thousand words!
Sloppy Joes, Meatball Subs, Tuna Melts, etc.
Make your favorite “food on bread” recipe but use your leftover hot dog or hamburger buns instead of whatever you normally use. Make your own “Quizno” melts at home. Smaller sized buns are perfect for smaller appetites rather than wasting a whole french roll. Any kind of sandwich works. If you have kids and pack lunches, just pack their favorite sandwich on a bun for a nice change.
Garlic Bread
I prefer to mix some butter with minced garlic, spread on the bread of choice and broil. But we also like “cheater” garlic bread in a pinch. Spread with butter (or margarine), sprinkle with garlic powder and broil. Sprinkle with some grated cheese first if you like.
French Toast
Cut into sticks and make French toast sticks with them using your favorite recipe. Here’s my normal mode of French toast.
Back to Cooking with Leftovers
