Uses for stale, dense wheat bread?

Wow, thanks everyone! I love that so many of these suggestions are savory. Can't wait to experiment!

I'm all for bread pudding. One of my favorites, but something I rarely do because, well, done right it's just not very good for you. The quality of the bread you use makes such a difference, so go for it!

Croutons and bread crumbs are great ideas. I also thought that thirschfeld's Rustic Olive and Lemon Cocotte looked like a great way to use up leftover bread. I haven't made it yet, but I hope to soon! It looks very yummy. http://www.food52.com/recipes/9397_rustic_olive_lemon_cocotte

Another easy route to croutons: cut into chunks, toss with melted butter and sauteed garlic, add some herbs, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350. Check towards the end so as to not over-do it. When cool, store in a tight container or freeze. Toss into salads, soups, etc. I think the whole wheat gives a nutty and hearty flavor.

I love panade - here are a couple of different takes on the dish:

http://www.thewednesdaychef.com/the_wednesday_chef/2011/01/zuni-cafes-chard-and-onion-panade.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/magazine/12food-t-001.html

Ok. One more try! The picture is worth it.

here's the photo of one version I had in Athens.

I have the perfect one: make a bread salad.

Cut or tear the bread into chunks. Put into a bowl. Grate a tomato on top, or combine fresh and canned tomato. Add capers, lemon, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper. I don't eat dairy, but you could also crumble feta on top at this point. (I would do cashew ricotta instead!)

The liquid ingredients will soak down to the bread and make it the perfect texture. You can also play around with the recipe and add other ingredients you might have around. I have seen it done with sprouts, and there is a breakfast version with chopped egg.

It is a Greek dish that you usually use Cretan barley rusks for, but I have used stale wheat bread and it is equally awesome! If it is dense, that is actually better!

French Toast? Apple Brown Betty? Panzenella Salad? Coating for fried chicken or pork chops?

How about ripping it up into chunks, dousing it in olive oil and salt, toasting the croutons in the oven, low and slow, until they're golden brown and tossing them all into a food processor. Voila whole wheat breadcrumbs, which would be delicious tossed whole wheat spaghetti, parsley, and grated lemon zest. Nice and healthy pasta, no?