Make Your Own Bread Crumbs
Homemade breadcrumbs are a must-have for any kitchen. They’re easy, cheap, and taste better than store-bought.
If you’re building a from-scratch kitchen, homemade bread crumbs are a must-have! They’re easy to make, cost-effective, and more flavorful than store-bought options. A great way to reduce food waste is to repurpose leftover or stale bread. I also use bread that I “didnt quite get right” or even those ends that no one seems to want. Instead of tossing it, cut it into cubes and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to make bread crumbs, simply thaw the cubes and follow the process below!
Why You Should Make Homemade Bread Crumbs
Better tasting: Homemade bread crumbs are not only more flavorful but also more cost-effective. Plus, you can control the texture and seasoning to your exact liking.
Reduces food waste: This recipe is great for leftover and stale bread that you would otherwise end up wasting. Just make sure there is no mold and you are good to go!
Cost Effective: Since I typically use leftover bread that I have already made, I am never going out of my way to purchase anything specifically for this recipe.
What Type of Bread Should You Use?
I use any bread that I have on hand that isn’t sweet. Here are my favorites
- Sourdough Bread: Its robust flavor and slightly chewy texture make it a great choice for bread crumbs. Check out my recipe!
- Crusty Artisan Loaf: This loaf has a beautiful crust and soft inner texture.
- Soft Sandwich Loaf: This is my most used recipe and therefore is what I use most often to make my bread crumbs.
Tips For Flavorful Breadcrumbs
Seasoned Crumbs: Add herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the bread before pulsing. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika!
Herbed Crumbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the bread crumbs for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
Nutty Crumbs: Add toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the bread crumbs for a crunchy and nutty flavor.
How to Use Your Breadcrumbs
Coating: Use them to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying or baking.
Topping: Sprinkle them on casseroles, soups, or salads for a crispy texture.
Stuffing: Mix them with other ingredients to create a flavorful stuffing for poultry or vegetables.
Meatloaf: My primary use for my homemade bread crumbs is for my meatloaf recipe.
How to Make Homemade Breadcumbs
Your breadcrumbs should last for up to 1 week in the pantry if stored in an airtight container. Otherwise I suggest storing in the freezer for 3-6 months.
How To Make Breadcrumbs
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- Stale Bread
- Herbs or Flavorings of Choice
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your Oven: Preheat to 325 degrees F
- Prep the Bread: Tear or slice the bread into small pieces.
- Dry the Bread: Spread the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, give it a toss and then bake for another 5 – 10 mins. Your bread should be hard and crispy to the touch. The cooking time is going to depend on environmental factors as well as how fresh your bread was to start.
- Pulse into Crumbs: Once the bread is dry, transfer it to a food processor or blender. Pulse until you reach your desired crumb size.
- Season: If you are flavoring your bread crumbs, add your seasonings during the pulsing/blending process.
How To Make Homemade Breadcrumbs
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- Stale bread
- Herbs or Flavorings
Instructions
- Preheat your Oven: Preheat to 325 degrees F
- Prep the Bread: Tear or slice the bread into small pieces.
- Dry the Bread: Spread the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, give it a toss and then bake for another 5 – 10 mins. Your bread should be hard and crispy to the touch. The cooking time is going to depend on environmental factors as well as how fresh your bread was to start.
- Pulse into Crumbs: Once the bread is dry, transfer it to a food processor or blender. Pulse until you reach your desired crumb size.
- Season: If you are flavoring your bread crumbs, add your seasonings during the pulsing/blending process.
