How to Make Breadcrumbs

It is easy to learn how to make breadcrumbs from stale bread. If you’ve never made breadcrumbs at home before, it can seem like an intimidating process. But with the right instructions, you can make homemade breadcrumbs that are much better than store-bought options.

All about Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a kitchen staple that you can use in a variety of ways. They are small, dry pieces of bread or crackers that have been broken down into crumbs. They can either be store bought or homemade. If you are looking for a healthier option, consider using whole-grain breadcrumbs. Whole-grain breadcrumbs are higher in fiber and contain more nutrients than white breadcrumbs.

Breadcrumbs are used as a coating for fried foods like chicken tenders, fish sticks, and onion rings, but they also have many other uses in the kitchen. When added to casseroles or soups, breadcrumbs act as thickening agents, making dishes creamier and more filling. You can also use breadcrumbs as a topping for gratins, casseroles, pasta dishes, salads, and soups.

Breadcrumbs work great as binders too. When working with ground meat to make burgers or meatloaf, adding some breadcrumbs helps keep patties from falling apart or crumbling when cooked. You can also use breadcrumbs to add texture and flavor to dishes like macaroni and cheese, stuffed peppers, and meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Breadcrumbs

• Stale bread (French bread is preferred)
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano

How to Make Breadcrumbs

1. Place a grater inside a bowl and grate the bread. Or chop the bread into pieces and process it in the food processor.
2. Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, and dried oregano and mix well.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Tips and Variations for Making Breadcrumbs

When it comes to making homemade breadcrumbs, follow these tips and try these variations:

• If you don’t have stale bread, dry out fresh bread in the oven before processing it into crumbs. But stale or day-old bread will make crisper, better-textured crumbs that hold their shape during baking.
• To prevent soggy or pasty results, try not to overprocess the ingredients in the blender or food processor by pulsing only until you reach the desired texture.
• To reduce food waste, store any leftover pieces of bread or crackers in an airtight container and grind them up into homemade breadcrumbs. This is a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste while still having tasty ingredients on hand when you need them.
• Don’t add the seasonings to make plain breadcrumbs.
• Try any variety of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, etc.
• For sweet versions of homemade breadcrumbs, add cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as white, whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel, or Italian. Or mix and match the types of bread to create interesting flavor combinations.
• For a crunchier texture, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little oil before using them in recipes. Or bake the crumbs at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

How to Make Breadcrumbs FAQs

Is this recipe gluten free, dairy free, and/or vegetarian?

Because the breadcrumbs are made with bread, they are not gluten free. But they are dairy free and vegetarian.

Is it possible to make gluten-free breadcrumbs at home?

Yes. You can use gluten-free bread and the seasoning of your choice. Toasting the gluten-free bread until it’s golden brown. Cut it into cubes and pulse in the food processor. Add in the seasonings of your choice and pulse one more time to combine everything together.

Can I freeze the homemade breadcrumbs for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the homemade breadcrumbs for later use. Spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the breadcrumbs to an airtight container or Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer until you need them. Let them thaw when you are ready to use them.

Other Bread Recipes

• Gluten Free Bread Pudding
• Best Ever High Protein Banana Bread
• Vegan Basil Cornbread
• Easy Paleo Pumpkin Bread

Learning how to make breadcrumbs is a great way to use up stale or leftover bread and add flavor and texture to dishes. You can use different types of breads and seasonings for a variety of results. Whether you’re looking for a crunchy topping for salads or soups or binders for burgers and meatballs, homemade breadcrumbs are the perfect kitchen staple that won’t go to waste. And you’ll be surprised how much better your dishes will taste with fresh, homemade breadcrumbs.