Homemade bread crumbs are easy to make and a great way to use up leftover bread. Dried bread crumbs add crunch as a topping for casseroles, help bind ingredients for meatballs, and are an essential breading for extra crispy chicken fingers.
You can make your own homemade bread crumbs using leftover bread that is beginning to dry out. This no waste method tastes so much better than the dried bread crumbs you purchase in the store. If you bake your own bread, you can avoid the chemicals and extra ingredients found in store bought bread crumbs.
How to Make Dried Bread Crumbs
Any type of bread can be used to make homemade bread crumbs, such as white, wheat, oatmeal, whole grain, sourdough, rye, and even gluten free! I like to use a mixture of breads for a more flavor.
If you notice a loaf of bread getting dry, simply spread out the slices on baking sheets and let it dry naturally. Place the baking sheets in the oven to keep them out of the way. Just be sure to leave a note reminding yourself that they are in the oven. If the weather is humid, or you need bread crumbs quickly, you can speed up the process by drying out the bread in a low oven.
A food processor makes quick work of turning the dried bread pieces into bread crumbs. You can also use a box grater or place the dried slices into a zipper bag and crush them with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or heavy skillet.
Homemade bread crumbs are easy to make and a great way to use up leftover bread. Bread crumbs add crunch as a topping for casseroles, help bind ingredients for meatballs, and are an essential breading for extra crispy chicken fingers.
- Bread (any type or amount)
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Preheat your oven to 250˚F (120˚C).
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Place your bread slices in a single layer on baking sheets.
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Bake for about 10 minutes, flip the slices over, and bake until crisp, about 5-10 minutes longer. Bread is finished when it is crunchy and snaps when you break the slices into pieces.
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Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the bread cool. Break up the slices with your hands, and place in a food processor. Pulse the food processor to grind the bread into crumbs with an even texture.
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Store the breadcrumb in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the pantry, or freeze for up to six months.
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Add your homemade bread crumbs to your favorite recipes the same way you would use the store bought bread crumbs.
Dried Bread Crumb Variations:
Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: For every 1 cup of homemade bread crumbs add: 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley, 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano, 1/8 tablespoon dried thyme, 1/8 tablespoon dried basil, 1/8 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoons onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix to combine.
Spicy Seasoned Bread Crumbs: For every 1-cup of homemade bread crumbs add: 1 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/8 onion powder, 1/8 garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix to combine.
Add your homemade bread crumbs to your favorite recipes the same way you would use the store bought bread crumbs.
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