Discover Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Biscuits: From Monkey Bread to Homemade Croutons

Leftover biscuits can be a major headache in the kitchen. But with a little creativity, you can transform these tasty morsels into delicious additions to different dishes. From sweet monkey bread to savory croutons, there are many ways to use up those extra biscuits. Let's dive into some of the most delicious options to try.

Monkey Bread Inspired by Pillsbury

One of the most charming ways to use up leftover biscuits is to make monkey bread. Here's a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cans (12 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits (10 Count) 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

Steps

Heat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle a 12-cup fluted tube cake pan lightly with cooking spray. In a 1-gallon food-storage plastic bag, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Shake the biscuits in the bag to coat them, and place them in the pan. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the biscuit pieces. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown. Allow the monkey bread to cool for 5 minutes before turning it upside down onto a heatproof plate and removing the pan. Serve the monkey bread warm. Bonus tip: this delicious treat can also be made in two 9x5-inch loaf pans by dividing the biscuits and butter mixture evenly between the pans and baking as directed.

Other Creative Uses for Leftover Biscuit Dough

Bread Pudding

A simple yet elegant use for leftover biscuit dough is in making bread pudding. Just crumble up the biscuits and soak them in a custard base. Bake them with flavors like maple syrup and nuts, and you'll have a rich and comforting dessert that's perfect for a special brunch or dessert on a cold evening.

Homemade Croutons

To make fun and versatile croutons, chop up some of your leftover biscuit dough into small cubes. Toss them with oil and a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, dried herbs like rosemary and thyme, or even a hint of cayenne pepper. Bake them until they're crisp and golden. These homemade croutons can elevate salads, soups, and more, quickly transforming your favorite dishes into something special.

Homemade Breadcrumbs

If you need some fresh breadcrumbs, why not make them with leftover biscuit dough? Simply dry out the biscuits in the oven, then process them into small crumbs. These homemade breadcrumbs offer the advantage of being customizable with different seasonings. Use them as a coating for fried chicken, sprinkle them over macaroni and cheese, or add texture to various dishes. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Tricks

Substitute two 9x5-inch loaf pans for the fluted tube cake pan if you'd like to make monkey bread in a different shape. Be sure to remove the monkey bread from the pan before it cools for too long to prevent it from sticking. Consider serving this monkey bread with fresh fruit as part of a special brunch at home for an extra touch of elegance.

By following these recipes and tips, you can turn what might have been discarded into a delightful culinary experience. Embrace the versatility of leftover biscuit dough and start exploring new and exciting flavors today!