Tips on how to repurpose bento food scraps

One of the most frequent questions we get regarding bento lunches is HOW do you repurpose all those bento food scraps? Pretty bento presentations sometimes mean that you'll do some food cutouts and end up with a few uneaten crusts or leftover pieces of cheese. But don't throw them away just yet! With a little creativity, you can turn those scraps into something delicious.

Here are a few ideas for repurposing common bento lunch box scraps:

1. Bread - Leftover bread is a versatile ingredient that can be turned into many different dishes. One of my favorite ways to use up bread scraps is to make croutons. Simply cut the bread into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and herbs, and bake in the oven until crispy. Croutons are perfect for adding crunch to salads or soups. Another great way to use up bread scraps is to make bread pudding. Mix the bread with eggs, milk, and sugar, and bake until golden and puffy. Bread pudding is a comforting and indulgent dessert that's perfect for using up stale bread.

2. Cheese - If you have leftover cheese scraps, don't toss them! Instead, use them to make a cheesy dip. Melt the cheese in a saucepan with a little milk and seasoning, and serve with crackers or vegetables for dipping. You can also use leftover cheese scraps to make a cheese board for a party or a snack board for the kids.

3. Vegetables - If you have leftover vegetables from a bento box, turn them into a savory tart. Simply mix the vegetables with eggs, cheese, and herbs, and pour into a pie crust. Bake until golden and set, and serve with a salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

4. Fruit - Don't let leftover fruit scraps go to waste! Use them to make a refreshing fruit salad. Chop up the fruit and mix with a little honey and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy dressing. You can also use leftover fruit scraps to make a smoothie or a fruit salsa. Or get creative and make your own fruit based vinegar!

By repurposing bento lunch box scraps, you can save money and reduce food waste. These ideas are just the beginning - get creative and see what delicious dishes you can come up with!

Same applies to food scraps that come home uneaten. Repurpose them to the best of your ability. And if you have a hungry dog at home, like I do, then food scraps are never an issue!