What to Do with Leftover Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

We had a wonderful surprise birthday party barbecue here last weekend. It left me with some surplus hot dog and hamburger buns. Some I made room for in the freezer.  Here are a few other ideas if you find yourself in the same situation. These are things I’ve done in the past that worked out great.

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 or grate them on a box grater. 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.

Bread Pudding

Anything you can do with leftover bread,  you can do with leftover hamburger and hot dog 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.

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.

These are all based upon using it up within your family, of course. You can always share with neighbors or your local food pantry or homeless shelter.