Beyond breakfast: 8 genius ways to use up stale cereal
July 27, 2023
We’ve all been there – a box of cereal that’s been sitting in the pantry for too long and has gone stale. It’s tempting to just toss it in the trash and move on, but wait! Don’t throw it away just yet. There are plenty of creative ways to use up stale cereal before it goes to waste. In fact, you might even discover some new favorite recipes along the way. From using it as a crust for pies to adding it to trail mix, there are countless ways to transform your stale cereal into something delicious.
In this post, I’ll explore 8 genius ways to use up stale cereal that go beyond just eating it for breakfast. So, don’t let that box of stale cereal go to waste – let’s get creative in the kitchen!
1. Introduction to the problem of stale cereal
We’ve all been there; you bought a box of your favorite cereal, ate it for a few days, and then suddenly forgot about it. The next thing you know, the cereal has gone stale and is no longer appetizing. It’s easy to just throw the box away, but what a waste! Stale cereal can be used for so many things beyond breakfast.
Stale cereal can be a problem, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to get creative and find new ways to use up this ingredient. In this post, we’ll share eight genius ways to use up stale cereal, from creating a tasty snack mix to using it as a coating for chicken. So, don’t throw that box away just yet – let’s get creative and turn stale cereal into something delicious!
2. Turning stale cereal into crunchy granola
If you’re someone who loves granola, then you’ll be happy to know that you can easily turn your stale cereal into crunchy granola with just a few simple ingredients.
To get started, preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, mix together your stale cereal (crushed into small pieces), some rolled oats, chopped nuts, and any other mix-ins you like (think dried fruit, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips).
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir everything together until well combined.
Spread the mixture out onto your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is golden brown and crispy.
Once done, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into smaller clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
This homemade granola is perfect for topping yogurt, adding to smoothie bowls, or just as a quick snack on its own. And best of all, it’s a great way to use up any stale cereal that may have been sitting in your pantry for too long!
3. Making homemade cereal bars
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to use up that stale cereal, why not try making your own cereal bars? They’re a great option for breakfast on the go or for a quick snack throughout the day.
To get started, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Begin with a base of your stale cereal, such as oats or cornflakes. Then, add in some nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to give your bars some extra flavor and nutrition. You can also add in some honey or peanut butter to help bind everything together.
Once you have your ingredients, simply mix them all together in a bowl until they’re well combined. Then, press the mixture into a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown.
Once your bars are done baking, let them cool completely before cutting them into individual servings. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep.
Not only are homemade cereal bars a delicious way to use up your stale cereal, but they’re also a healthier option than many store-bought granola bars, which are often loaded with sugar and preservatives. So, give them a try and see how easy it is to turn your stale cereal into a tasty and nutritious snack!
4. Using stale cereal in baking
If you’re looking for a way to use up your stale cereal, consider incorporating it into your baking. Stale cereal can be a great substitute for breadcrumbs in recipes like meatballs or meatloaf. Crush the cereal in a plastic bag and mix it together with your other ingredients to add a unique texture to your dish.
Cereal can also be added to cookie or muffin batter for a crunchy texture. Simply crush the cereal and mix it in with the dry ingredients. You can also use it as a topping for cakes or cupcakes for a fun and whimsical touch.
Another idea is to use your stale cereal in homemade granola or trail mix. Mix together your favorite cereals with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a delicious and nutritious snack.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using your cereal in a savory dish like a casserole or stuffing. The crunchy texture can add an interesting contrast to more traditional ingredients.
Overall, using stale cereal in baking is a great way to reduce waste and add a unique twist to your favorite recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what delicious creations you can come up with!
5. Using cereal to create a crunchy coating for fried foods
Believe it or not, cereal can make a fantastic coating for fried foods! It’s a great way to use up stale cereal and add some extra crunch and flavor to your favorite fried dishes.
To create a crunchy coating, start by crushing the cereal into small pieces. You can use a food processor or simply place the cereal in a plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin. Once the cereal is crushed, you can use it to coat chicken, fish, or even vegetables before frying.
To create the coating, first dip your food in a mixture of flour and seasoning (such as salt, pepper, and paprika). Then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the crushed cereal. Be sure to press the cereal onto the food so it sticks well.
Once your food is coated, you can fry it in hot oil until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The cereal coating will add a delicious crunch and flavor to your dish that you won’t be able to resist!
Some great cereal options for this technique include cornflakes, Rice Krispies, and even Fruity Pebbles. Give it a try and see how delicious cereal-coated fried foods can be!
6. Making snack mix with stale cereal
Stale cereal may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of snack mix, but it can actually be a great addition. The crunchiness and flavors of the cereal can add an interesting twist to your typical snack mix recipe.
To make snack mix with stale cereal, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need a variety of snacks such as pretzels, nuts, crackers, and of course, your stale cereal. Mix these together in a large bowl.
Next, you’ll want to add some seasoning to your snack mix. This can be done with a pre-made seasoning mix or you can create your own with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the seasoning into the bowl and mix well to ensure that everything is coated.
Finally, you can add some sweetness to your snack mix with a bit of chocolate chips or candy pieces. This will balance out the savory flavors and add some extra texture to your mix.
Once everything is mixed together, you can portion out your snack mix into individual bags or containers for easy snacking on the go. This is a great way to use up any stale cereal you may have and create a delicious and unique snack that your whole family will love.
7. Using cereal as a topping for desserts
Cereal is not just for breakfast anymore. It can also add a delightful crunch and flavor to your desserts. Instead of using traditional toppings like whipped cream or chocolate chips, try using stale cereal as a topping for your desserts. This is a great way to add texture and flavor to your desserts without adding extra sugar or calories.
For example, you can use crushed up cereal to top a fruit crisp or use it as a layer in a parfait. You can also use it as a coating for cake pops or sprinkle it over ice cream.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using cereal as a dessert topping. You can experiment with different types of cereal to find the perfect combination of flavor and texture. It’s a great way to use up any leftover cereal you have in your pantry and create something new and delicious. So next time you’re looking for a unique dessert topping, grab some stale cereal and get creative!
8. Creating a cereal-based trail mix for outdoor adventures
If you love outdoor adventures, you probably know the importance of having a light and nutrient-dense snack that can keep you going. A cereal-based trail mix is an excellent option, especially if you have some stale cereal on hand.
To create a delicious and nutritious cereal-based trail mix, start by selecting a variety of your favorite cereals. You can mix different types of cereal, such as granola, Cheerios, Chex, or any other cereal you have on hand. Add some nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to the mix for added protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
To make the trail mix more interesting, you can also add some chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or pretzels. Mix everything together in a large bowl and store the trail mix in a resealable bag or container.
When you’re ready for your outdoor adventure, pack the cereal-based trail mix in your backpack and enjoy it as a quick and energizing snack on the go. The mix is perfect for hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activity where you need a quick boost of energy to keep you going.
9. Ideas for using cereal dust that’s left at the bottom of the bag
When you’re down to the last bits of cereal at the bottom of the bag, don’t throw it away! That dusty residue can be repurposed in a few creative ways.
One idea is to use it as a breading for chicken or fish. Simply mix the cereal dust with some flour and spices, dip the protein in egg, then coat in the mixture before frying or baking. The cereal adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
Another option is to mix the cereal dust with melted chocolate and any other goodies you like, such as nuts, dried fruit, or pretzels, to make a homemade candy bark. Spread the mixture out on parchment paper, let it cool and harden, then break it apart into pieces.
You can also use the cereal dust as a topping for baked goods, like muffins or breads. Mix it with a little bit of sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top before baking.
Lastly, if you have a garden, sprinkle the cereal dust around your plants as a fertilizer. The grains will break down and release nutrients into the soil, helping your plants grow healthy and strong. Don’t let that cereal dust go to waste!
10. Conclusion with some final tips on repurposing stale cereal.