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Side view of a glass casserole dish with colorful layers of pineapple, melted cheese, and crispy golden cracker crumbs on a white countertop.

Bread and Crumbs: 7 Powerful Ways to Enhance Your Cooking


  • Author: Emma Boatman
  • Total Time: 10-20 minutes
  • Yield: ~2 cups breadcrumbs
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make homemade breadcrumbs from fresh or toasted bread! Whether you need soft breadcrumbs for meatballs or crispy ones for breading, this easy guide will show you how to prepare both types using simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

For Fresh Breadcrumbs:

Tear the Bread: Tear fresh bread into small chunks.

Blend: Add to a food processor and pulse a few times until fine crumbs form.

Use Immediately: Fresh breadcrumbs are perfect for meatballs, stuffing, and casseroles.

For Dry (Crispy) Breadcrumbs:

Preheat Oven: Set to 300°F (150°C).

Toast the Bread: Place bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until dry and crisp.

Cool & Blend: Let the bread cool, then pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form.

Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread.
  • Storage: Fresh breadcrumbs last 2-3 days in the fridge, dry breadcrumbs last 2 weeks in a container, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for dry breadcrumbs)
  • Category: Basics / Pantry Staple
  • Method: Baking / Blending
  • Cuisine: Universal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: ~70 kcal
  • Sugar: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~100mg
  • Fat: ~1g
  • Saturated Fat: ~0.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~14g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Homemade Breadcrumbs, Fresh Breadcrumbs, Dry Breadcrumbs, How to Make Breadcrumbs