If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself with a surplus of hamburger buns after a summer barbecue or a big family gathering. Instead of letting them go to waste, why not try some creative recipes that make use of these leftover buns?
There are a variety of ways to repurpose hamburger buns, from sweet to savory, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite ideas with you.
Another option is to turn your leftover buns into homemade breadcrumbs. Simply tear the buns into small pieces, process them in a food processor until they’re coarse or fine, and toast them in olive oil with some seasoning. The resulting breadcrumbs can be used to bread chicken or fish, or as a topping for mac and cheese or casseroles.
Best Leftover Hamburger Bun Recipes
If you have leftover hamburger buns, don’t let them go to waste. There are several inventive ways to repurpose them into delicious meals that your family will love.
Today, I will share some easy and quick recipes that you can make using leftover hamburger buns.
1. Hamburger Bun French Toast
Turn your leftover hamburger buns into a delicious breakfast treat by making French toast. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Dip the buns in the egg mixture and cook them on a buttered skillet until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.
2. Bread pudding
Create a sweet dessert by making bread pudding with the leftover buns, adding ingredients like raisins, cinnamon, and a custard mixture.
3. Breakfast Sandwich
Make a hearty breakfast sandwich by filling a leftover hamburger bun with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. You can also add avocado, tomato, or any other toppings you like.
4. Panini
Make a delicious panini by filling a leftover hamburger bun with your favorite ingredients. You can use ham, cheese, tomato, and pesto for a classic combination. Toast the panini on a grill or pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
5. Pulled Pork Sandwich
Use your leftover hamburger buns to make a pulled pork sandwich. Simply shred leftover pork and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Toast the buns, fill them with the pork mixture, and top with coleslaw.
6. Meatball Sub
Turn your leftover hamburger buns into a meatball sub by filling them with meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Toast the buns and bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sloppy Joes
Use the buns to make Sloppy Joes by filling them with a mixture of ground beef or turkey, onions, peppers, tomato sauce, and spices.
8. Taco Beefer Sandwich
9. Mini pizzas
Split the buns, top with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Croutons
Turn your leftover hamburger buns into croutons for salads or soups. Cut the buns into small cubes, toss them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
11. Garlic bread
Slice the buns, spread with garlic butter, and toast them in the oven for a simple and tasty side dish.
12. Stuffing
Use your leftover hamburger buns to make stuffing for your next holiday meal. Cut the buns into small cubes, mix them with butter, onion, celery, and herbs, and bake them in the oven until golden brown.
13. Big Mac Pasta
Use your leftover hamburger buns to make a delicious pasta bake. Cut the buns into small cubes, mix them with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, and bake them in the oven until bubbly and golden.
Overall, there are several inventive ways to use leftover hamburger buns. With these recipes, you can transform your leftovers into tasty meals that your family will love.
Preservation and Preparation Tips
Storing Leftover Buns
As someone who hates to waste food, I always have a plan for my leftover hamburger buns. One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to storing leftover buns is to make sure they are properly wrapped or stored.
If you plan on using the buns within a day or two, you can simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, if you want to keep them for longer, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the buns tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.
To store in the freezer, wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reviving Stale Buns
If your leftover hamburger buns have gone stale, don’t worry! There are a few tricks you can use to revive them.
One of the easiest ways to revive stale buns is to simply moisten them with a bit of water and then heat them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help to soften them up and make them more pliable.
Another option is to brush the buns with a bit of oil or melted butter and then toast them in the oven for a few minutes. This will give them a nice, buttery flavor and make them crispy again.
Finally, if you have a lot of stale buns, you can always turn them into breadcrumbs. Simply pulse them in a food processor until they are finely ground and then store them in an airtight container. Homemade breadcrumbs are great for breading chicken or fish, or for adding a bit of crunch to your favorite pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative ways to repurpose leftover hamburger buns for dinner?
Leftover hamburger buns can be transformed into many delicious dishes. One creative way to repurpose them is to make bread pudding. Tear the buns into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over your buns and bake for around 25 minutes. Another option is to use them to make homemade breadcrumbs. Simply tear the buns into pieces and process them until coarse or fine. Toast them in oil right away or freeze them for later use.
Is it possible to freeze leftover hamburger buns for later use?
Yes, leftover hamburger buns can be frozen for later use. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them at room temperature and then toast or warm them up in the oven.
How can I extend the shelf life of hamburger buns in the refrigerator?
To extend the shelf life of hamburger buns in the refrigerator, store them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them as mentioned above.