How to Make Bread Crumbs: A Quick and Easy Guide

Bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can add texture and flavor to a variety of dishes. Making bread crumbs from scratch is not only easy, but also a great way to use up leftover bread that would otherwise go to waste. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about how to make bread crumbs at home, including different methods, recipes, and tips for storing and using them.

What are bread crumbs and why make them at home?

Bread crumbs are small, dried pieces of bread that are commonly used as a coating for fried or baked foods, as a topping for casseroles, or as a binding agent for meatloaf, meatballs, and stuffing. They are also used as a thickener for soups and sauces, and as an ingredient in homemade pet food.

Benefits of making bread crumbs at home:

Cost-effective: Making bread crumbs at home is an affordable way to use up leftover bread that would otherwise go to waste. It's much cheaper than buying store-bought bread crumbs, and you can control the quality and quantity of the bread crumbs.

Freshness: Homemade bread crumbs are fresher than store-bought ones, which can be stale and lacking in flavor. Freshly made bread crumbs have a better texture and aroma, and they add more depth to your dishes.

Healthier: Many store-bought bread crumbs contain additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium. By making bread crumbs at home, you can avoid these unnecessary ingredients and create a healthier version of this ingredient.

Different types of bread crumbs:

Plain bread crumbs: These are made from plain white or whole wheat bread, and they are the most versatile type of bread crumbs. They have a neutral flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Seasoned bread crumbs: These are made by adding herbs, spices, and seasonings to plain bread crumbs. They are perfect for adding a flavorful coating to fried or baked foods.

Panko bread crumbs: Panko is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is made from white bread without crusts. It has a lighter and crispier texture than regular bread crumbs and is ideal for creating a crispy coating on fried foods.

By making your own bread crumbs at home, you can experiment with different types and flavors to suit your taste and needs. In the next section, we'll cover the different methods for making bread crumbs.

Methods for making bread crumbs

There are several methods for making bread crumbs at home, and the one you choose will depend on the equipment and ingredients you have available. Here are three popular methods for making bread crumbs:

Method 1: Oven-drying method

This method is ideal for those who have a large amount of leftover bread to use up. It's also the easiest method and requires minimal equipment.

Ingredients:

Stale bread (white, whole wheat, or any other type)

Olive oil or melted butter (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Cut the bread into small cubes or tear it into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet.

If desired, drizzle the bread with olive oil or melted butter and toss to coat evenly.

Bake the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is dry and crisp.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely.

Transfer the bread to a food processor and pulse until you reach the desired texture.

Tools needed:

Baking sheet

Food processor

Method 2: Food processor method

This method is perfect for those who want a fine texture of bread crumbs and have a food processor available.

Ingredients:

Stale bread (white, whole wheat, or any other type)

Instructions:

Cut the bread into small cubes and pulse in a food processor until you reach the desired texture.

If the bread is too moist, you can dry it out in the oven by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking it for 5-10 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

Tools needed:

Food processor

Method 3: Rolling pin method

This method is ideal for those who don't have a food processor or prefer a coarser texture of bread crumbs.

Ingredients:

Stale bread (white, whole wheat, or any other type)

Instructions:

Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a plastic bag.

Seal the bag and use a rolling pin to crush the bread into crumbs.

Remove the crumbs from the bag and sift them to remove any large pieces.

Tools needed:

Rolling pin

Plastic bag

By trying out these methods, you can find the one that works best for you and your needs. Regardless of the method you choose, homemade bread crumbs are a delicious and economical way to add flavor and texture to your favorite recipes.

Bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes to add texture and flavor. While store-bought bread crumbs are convenient, they often contain additives and preservatives. That's why making your own homemade bread crumbs is not only easy but also healthier and more cost-effective. In this article, we'll explore some delicious recipes that use homemade bread crumbs as a key ingredient. From crispy baked chicken to savory meatballs and flavorful stuffing, these recipes will showcase the many uses of homemade bread crumbs in your cooking. Whether you have leftover stale bread or you simply want to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your food processor or rolling pin and let's get started!

Now that you know how to make your own bread crumbs, here are some delicious recipes that you can try using your homemade bread crumbs:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups homemade bread crumbs

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess.

Dip the chicken in beaten eggs, then coat in bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup homemade bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1/2 onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Ingredients:

1 lb elbow macaroni

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup homemade bread crumbs

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the flour and whisk until smooth.

Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with homemade bread crumbs.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is heated through.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can make using homemade bread crumbs. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can incorporate this versatile ingredient into a variety of recipes to add flavor, texture

To make bread crumbs at home, you don't need any fancy equipment. Here are the basic tools you'll need:

Food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the easiest and quickest way to make bread crumbs at home. It can grind the bread into fine or coarse crumbs, depending on your preference.

Cuisinart DLC-8SY Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor

This food processor is a great option for making bread crumbs. It has a large capacity and powerful motor that can easily grind bread into fine or coarse crumbs. It also comes with various attachments for slicing, shredding, and chopping other ingredients.

Grater: If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can use a grater to shred the bread into small crumbs. This method is more time-consuming, but it works well if you only need a small amount of bread crumbs.

OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater

It has four different sides for grating cheese, vegetables, and bread. The etched blades are sharp and long-lasting, and the non-slip handle provides a comfortable grip.

Rolling pin: If you don't have a food processor, blender or grater, you can use a rolling pin to crush the bread into crumbs. Simply place the bread in a plastic bag and roll over it with the rolling pin until it's finely crushed.

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

This adjustable rolling pin is perfect for crushing bread into crumbs. It has removable discs that allow you to adjust the thickness of the dough or crumbs. The non-stick surface ensures that the bread won't stick to the rolling pin, and the measurement markings make it easy to roll out the dough or crumbs to the right size.

Baking sheet: Once you've made the bread crumbs, you'll need to dry them out in the oven. A baking sheet is essential for spreading out the bread crumbs evenly and allowing them to dry out completely.

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet

This baking sheet is perfect for drying out bread crumbs in the oven. It's made of durable natural aluminum that distributes heat evenly and doesn't rust or warp. The large size allows you to spread out the bread crumbs evenly, and the raised edges prevent them from spilling over.

Airtight container: Once the bread crumbs are completely dry, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a month or in the freezer for up to six months.

OXO Good Grips POP Container

Once you've made the bread crumbs, you'll need to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. These OXO POP containers are a great option. They have an airtight seal that keeps out moisture and air, and the clear body makes it easy to see what's inside. They come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that's right for your needs.

These tools are just a few examples of what you can find on Amazon for making bread crumbs. Remember to read reviews and compare prices to find the best tools for your budget and needs.

In Conclusion

Making bread crumbs at home is a great way to use up leftover bread and add flavor and texture to your dishes. With just a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you can make your own bread crumbs and elevate your cooking game. So the next time you have some stale bread, don't throw it away - turn it into delicious homemade bread crumbs instead!