You might scratch your head wondering why I would post a recipe for homemade bread crumbs. Seems so simple. But details like homemade bread crumbs do make a difference. They are easy and thrifty to make. Never let old bread go to waste again, or buy the stuff in the blue container filled with unhealthy ingredients. Make your own in minutes.
Nothing Beats Homemade Bread Crumbs
True of most things, homemade bread crumbs beat anything you buy at the store. If you have ever grabbed a container of “America’s Favorite” brand, you might be shocked when you read the ingredient list. If this is in your pantry, go directly to the kitchen and throw it out. Please.
Read Labels for Unhealthy Ingredients
Watch for high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oil (trans fat), corn syrup, a lot of ingredients that you don’t need, much less want, in your breadcrumbs. And since they are not organic, many of the ingredients are certainly GMO (genetically modified or engineered). Something else it’s best to avoid.
Choose Your Bread
I generally use this GF bread for my breadcrumbs but. If you eat wheat, use your favorite bread. Be sure to read the label for unhealthy ingredients.
Trimming and Toasting Bread Cubes
Pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees. Either trim crusts from the bread or leave them on. Your bread crumbs will be finer without the crusts. Cut bread into cubes or tear into pieces and toss in the bowl of a food processor. Process until bread forms fine crumbs. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crumbs are golden and dry.
Storing Homemade Bread Crumbs
Allow them to cool and place in an airtight container, then refrigerate or freeze. Because they are toasted, the moisture is gone. If you don’t toast them, fresh breadcrumbs can get moldy in the refrigerator.
If you want fine bread crumbs for a recipe, you can always toss them back in the food processor one last time after they are cool and pulse for a few seconds to refine.
What To Do With Breadcrumbs
What to do with breadcrumbs? Just a couple of ideas:
- Make turkey meatballs
- Make meatloaf
- Sprinkle on top of cooked vegetables, like simple green beans, to give them a crunch.
- Combine with herbs and chopped nuts to top fish, then bake for a crispy top
For another idea, toss fresh crumbs with a little olive oil and your favorite seasoning before baking for your own seasoned bread crumbs. The olive oil gives them a more golden color and nice flavor, perfect for topping vegetables and casseroles.
Make Homemade Croutons
For homemade croutons, leave the bread cubed, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and granulated garlic, bake. They are delicious for salads!
How to Make Homemade Bread Crumbs
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread of choice GF or wheat
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 300° (150 C). Trim crust from bread slices. Cut bread into cubes or tear into small pieces and process in a food processor until fine. Spread crumbs onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crumbs are golden and dry, about 15 minutes. It will depend on your oven. You may want to stir them half of the way through for even baking. When done baking, cool crumbs and refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container.
Barb Rogers says
Hi Sally! I felt like a real dummy not knowing how to make bread crumbs! My Mother-in-law would have cried tears laughing at both me and herself...she used to have to cross her legs when she laughed that hard!! I was looking for a good recipe for meatloaf and that's also how I came upon yours. I have everything except red wine vinegar and the crumbs! Thank you for helping me out! Plus a great big thanks for everyone brave enough to admit to not knowing how to make both crumbs and meatloaf! Blessings and Joy! Barb
Sally Cameron says
Hi Barb! Sometimes it's the simple things, right? I almost didn't post that because it is so simple, but it's really helpful and better! Thanks for commenting. Happy cooking.
Ella says
Thanks for this. Just became an insane foodie. Luckily I'm still concerned about healthy eating. Can't get a food processor, it's quite expensive in Nigeria. My oven has no timer, will just keep checking it. Hope, this would affect it? Can any type of bread be used?
Sally Cameron says
Hi Ella! Wow, Nigeria. Blessings to you. I've used regular bread (with gluten, standard stuff) and different kinds of gluten-free breads. The results do vary, but all have come out good. Some I've had to bake longer or crush finer. I just use a simple stand alone kitchen timer, not the one on my oven. Hopefully that is available and not too expensive where you live. Without a food processor, do you have a mortar and pestle for hand grinding? I'm trying to think of a way without a food processor you could get a similar result. Congratulations on becoming crazy about food, cooking, and eating healthy. It makes all the difference! Pleasw let me know if I can be of any support. Kind regards. Sally