Is Stale Bread Safe to Eat? You Need to Know This

We’ve all faced it: a rock-hard loaf on the counter and the question—stale or spoiled? The good news is that stale bread, while dry and chewy, is usually safe to eat. Staling happens when starch molecules re-crystallize and push out moisture, changing texture but not safety.

Instead of tossing it, revive stale bread by wrapping it in foil and warming it at 350°F (175°C), or turn it into toast. Better yet, use it as an ingredient. Stale bread makes excellent breadcrumbs, croutons, French toast, bread pudding, panzanella, or stuffing. Some recipes even work better with old bread.