What to Do With Leftover Roti? 10 Recipes to Reinvent It Deliciously
We all know it - leftover rotis sitting in the container, slightly dry, and no one excited to eat them again.
But here’s the secret: roti isn’t just “yesterday’s bread.” It’s a shortcut waiting to be turned into something completely new. Think nachos, pizza, lasagna, even dessert.
Here are 10 fun and fuss-free ways to reinvent leftover roti—because reheating is overrated.
Know someone who always ends up with leftover rotis? Share this with them—they’ll thank you later!
1. Roti Upma (A Savory Breakfast)
Tear rotis into small pieces and sauté with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and curry leaves. Add a squeeze of lemon. It's a classic breakfast fix in many homes. For extra flavor, toss in leftover veggies or paneer cubes. Roti Upma pairs beautifully with a cup of masala chai.
2. Roti Quesadilla-Style Toast
Add your favorite stuffing, whether it's spiced potatoes, paneer, or scrambled eggs. Roll tightly and toast lightly on a pan. This is perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
3. Roti Lasagna (Ultimate Fusion)
Who knew you could make lasagna with roti? Use rotis as your "pasta" sheets. Layer them with leftover dal or paneer bhurji, a sprinkle of grated cheese or paneer, and a dash of red chili flakes. Microwave or bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For softer layers, try dipping the rotis in a bit of milk before layering.
4. Roti → Frankie / Roll
This is a lunchbox classic for a reason! Reheat a roti and spread a thin layer of chutney or sauce. Fill it with your favorite ingredients, like spiced potatoes, scrambled eggs, or paneer bhurji. Roll it up tightly and toast it lightly on a pan until golden.
5. Roti Chaat (A Tangy, Crispy Snack)
Think of this as a quick, homemade version of papdi chaat. Tear or cut rotis into small, irregular pieces. Lightly fry or toast them until crispy. Top with yogurt, sweet tamarind chutney, mint chutney, finely chopped onions, and a sprinkle of chaat masala and sev.
Does these remind you of your mom or nani’s kitchen? Bring that flavor back today with one of these recipes.
6. Roti Halwa (A Warm, Sweet Dessert)
This rustic dessert is pure comfort food. Break rotis into small pieces and cook them in a pan with milk, ghee, and sugar until they form a soft, pudding-like consistency. Finish with a sprinkle of cardamom powder and chopped nuts. This is a nostalgic treat that comes together in minutes.
7. Roti Pizza (A Kid-Friendly Favorite)
This is the ultimate quick-fix dinner. Use a whole roti as your pizza base. Spread a layer of pizza sauce or tomato ketchup, add your favorite toppings (onions, capsicum, corn), and a generous layer of cheese. Toast on a tawa or pan on low heat with a lid until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Roti Stir-Fry (Roti Noodles)
Cut rotis into thin strips to resemble noodles. In a pan, stir-fry your favorite vegetables (like bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots) with a little soy sauce or leftover gravy. Add the roti strips and toss everything together until well combined. Slightly dry rotis work best here, as they soak up the flavors without turning mushy.
9. Roti Churma
Crumble leftover rotis, mix with ghee and jaggery, and serve as a sweet snack.
Tip: Add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Roti Churma is traditionally from Rajasthan and Gujarat, usually made during festivals or special occasions.
10. Roti Nachos
Cut rotis into triangles, lightly fry or roast with ghee, sprinkle chaat masala, and serve with chutney or yogurt. Slightly stale rotis crisp up faster.
General Storage Tips
- Keep leftover rotis stacked in a kitchen cloth or airtight box.
- Slightly dry rotis are perfect for crisp dishes (nachos, stir-fry).
- Soft rotis work best for halwa, churma, and wraps.
Leftover roti isn’t “old food.” It’s your next meal, already halfway ready. Store them properly in a cloth or airtight box—they’ll stay soft for halwa, churma, or wraps, and just right for stir-fry or nachos.
In most homes, no roti ever went to waste—someone always found a way to reinvent it. Try these hacks, and you might even make extra rotis on purpose!
👉 Which one will you try first—comforting halwa or savory upma?
This week, don’t let a single roti go to waste. Pick your favorite hack and share your creation!