This is what my bread looks like. It’s not mold. My mother-in-law says it would be wasteful not to use it, but it doesn’t look good to me. What should I do?

You should also pay attention to unusual odors and other changes. A musty, sour, or otherwise unpleasant smell can indicate that the bread should not be eaten. If the bread feels unusually moist or has developed an unexpected texture along with visible spoilage, throwing it away is the safer choice. When there is uncertainty about whether bread has spoiled, avoiding consumption is preferable to taking a chance.

Bread
If bread is dry but otherwise appears normal, there are many ways to give it a second use. One simple option is homemade croutons. Cut stale bread into small cubes, place the pieces in a bowl, and add a small amount of cookingoil, along with seasonings such as garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, or a little salt. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake them at about 375°F (190°C) until they become crisp, turning or tossing them partway through cooking. They can be added to salads, soups, or other dishes.

Stale bread can also be transformed into breadcrumbs. Allow the bread to become thoroughly dry, then break it into smaller pieces and process it until the desired texture is reached. Homemade breadcrumbs can be used for coatings, casseroles, meatballs, or other recipes. Another traditional option is French toast, although very dry bread may benefit from being soaked carefully so it can absorb the mixture without falling apart.