Bread crusts are one of the most common items left behind in lunchboxes, but they’re also one of the easiest to repurpose. Instead of tossing them out, transform them into tasty treats or kitchen staples. Transform them into crispy croutons, blend them into breadcrumbs, or use them to make an "Easy As Meal in a Mug", perfect for a quick and satisfying sweet or savoury snack. You can also freeze bread crusts in a resealable bag and save them up for recipes such as garlic bread chips.
Uneaten veges also tend to make their way back home, but they can easily be turned into new meals or snacks. Dice and toss them into an omelette, mix them into a stir-fry, or blend them into a vege-packed soup. Leftover vege sticks are also perfect for making quick pickles or adding crunch to a pasta salad.
Half-eaten apples, soft bananas, or bruised berries can be transformed into tasty treats. Blend them into smoothies, bake them into muffins or pancakes, or stew them into a fruit compote to drizzle over porridge. Freeze chopped fruit to use later in baking or try layering them into a yoghurt parfait for a nutritious after-school snack.
By getting creative with lunchbox leftovers, you can turn uneaten snacks into delicious new meals, save money, reduce food waste, and score some serious lunchbox wins.
Easy-as meal in a mug
Base ingredients
1 egg
¼ cup milk
Sweet as version:
2 slices bread or about 1 cup bread crusts
½ tsp sugar (or honey, maple syrup or golden syrup)
½ tsp vanilla essence (optional)
2 Tbsp spread of your choice (jam, peanut butter, Nutella, honey etc)
1 Tbsp optional add ins: Chocolate chips, sliced banana, berries, nuts etc
Optional topping: yoghurt, ice cream or whipped cream
Savoury as version:
2 slices bread or about 1 cup bread crusts
Pinch of salt and pepper
2 Tbsp tomato sauce, relish, chutney, mustard or sweet chilli sauce
2 slices of ham, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp grated cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, pesto, nuts, herbs
Method:
1. Spread your chosen sauce or sweet spread on the bread slices or crusts. If using bread slices, cut into nine squares, or roughly chop the crusts.
2. Break the egg into a large microwave-safe mug, then add the milk. For savoury, add salt and pepper. For sweet, add sugar and vanilla. Beat well with a fork.
3. Add bread into the mug in layers alternating with the remaining savoury or sweet ingredients.
4. Press the bread down into the mug until it’s fully soaked by the egg and milk mixture.
5. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Check if it’s set, if it still looks soft or runny, microwave for another 15-30 seconds.
6. Eat as it is, or top with any optional toppings.
Cooking tips
• Any deli meat can be used or leftover roast chicken, shredded, to substitute for the ham.
• For a savoury vegetarian version, try adding sweetcorn or other finely chopped vegetables.
• Spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, can be added instead of the vanilla in the "sweet as" version.
• Play around with sweet flavour combinations such as peanut butter and jam or banana and Nutella.
• For a different combination, spread butter on the bread and then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Add in raisins or chopped apple.
For more
• For more recipe ideas and inspiration visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz or check out @lovefoodhatewastenz on Facebook and Instagram.
