I’m sure I’m not the only one who has started cooking, needed breadcrumbs, and realized there weren’t any at home. More than once, I’ve had to abandon a recipe and rush to the supermarket — but why not make homemade breadcrumbs instead? It’s incredibly easy.
They turn out delicious, and you’ll also use up any leftover bread you haven’t eaten lately — plain, seeded, rye — whatever you usually eat. Even frozen bread works great. Don’t have bread? No worries, you can even use sponge cake.
Some ideas for using your homemade breadcrumbs:
- Thicken sauces
- Coat croquettes
- Bread chicken breast fillets or hamburgers
- Sprinkle over recipes to create a crispy baked layer
Believe me, you’ll need them more than once — so take note!
Ingredients for Making Breadcrumbs
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Bread | Fresh bread from the same day or stale bread (1 or more days old) |
Utensils Needed
- 1 serrated knife
- 1 baking tray
- 1 food processor (chopping robot)
Recipe for Making Breadcrumbs
- Cut the bread into slices. If the bread is several days old, cut it into very thin slices so it does not damage the blades of the food processor and to avoid accidents.
- Place the bread in the food processor and cover it.
- If you like coarse breadcrumbs, chop for just a few seconds.
- If you prefer finer breadcrumbs, leave it in the processor longer.
- Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 150°C (300°F) with both top and bottom heat.
- Fresh bread: bake for 25 minutes
- Day-old bread: bake for 20 minutes
- Several days old: bake for 15 minutes
Video Guide 📽️
Let it cool completely, and that’s it — your breadcrumbs are ready to use in any recipe.
Helpful Tips
Make Breadcrumbs Without a Food Processor
You can use a grater instead. The bread must be very dry to grate properly. A spice grinder or coffee blender does not work well with bread.
Storing Breadcrumbs and Panko
- Store breadcrumbs or panko in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Panko keeps better because it contains less moisture, and toasting removes some microorganisms that cause mold and staleness. Freezing is not recommended, as it may change the flavor and texture.
Fresh Bread or Stale Bread?
- Stale bread (not moldy or rancid) makes the best breadcrumbs. It has lost moisture and is easier to grind. It’s also more economical. If you don’t have stale bread, fresh bread works fine.
How to Use Seasoned Panko? Seasoned panko is perfect for adding flavor and crispiness to stews, pasta, or other dishes. You can add herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 0.25 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 63 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 274 mg |
| Sodium | 21 mg |
| Potassium | 1 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutritional information is automatically calculated from the listed ingredients. Consult your doctor if you require precise nutritional information.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make breadcrumbs from frozen bread?
Yes, frozen bread works perfectly. Just process it directly or let it thaw slightly before slicing.
2. How long do homemade breadcrumbs last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last for several weeks.
3. What’s the difference between breadcrumbs and panko?
Panko is lighter and flakier, creating a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
4. Can I skip the baking step?
Baking helps remove moisture and extend shelf life. Skipping it may result in softer crumbs that spoil faster.
5. Can I flavor the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Add herbs, garlic powder, paprika, or grated cheese to create seasoned breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Making homemade breadcrumbs is simple, practical, and budget-friendly. It saves you last-minute supermarket trips and helps reduce food waste by using leftover bread.
Whether you prefer coarse, fine, plain, or seasoned crumbs, having a batch ready in your kitchen makes cooking easier and more delicious. Once you start making your own, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
