Toasted Breadcrumbs (How To Make & Use Them)

Toasted breadcrumbs are a simple ingredient that adds the perfect crunch and flavor to so many dishes!

It’s also a great way to use leftover bread so you never have to throw away a stale loaf.

Today, we’re looking at all things breadcrumbs. From the best bread, and all their delicious uses, I have you covered.

So, without further ado, let’s check out how to make (and devour) homemade toasted breadcrumbs!

What is the Best Bread to Use for Breadcrumbs?

For the best flavor, reach for a sturdy, dense bread with a hearty crust. Here are some excellent choices. 

• White bread. Good-quality white bread like French or sourdough are excellent choices. They have a thick crust and are very flavorful. 

• Whole wheat. For a healthier option, whole wheat bread is a great choice. It delivers a heartier, nutty flavor. Multi-grain bread works well, too. 

• Italian. When Italian bread goes stale, its once chewy texture is hard as a rock.  Harder, dryer bread means cruncher breadcrumbs!

• Ciabatta. Ciabatta bread is another fantastic option if you like your breadcrumbs ulta-crunchy! If you don’t have stale ciabatta, baguettes are just as crunchy and delicious. 

While most bread works in this recipe, the key is using stale bread.

How to Make Toasted Breadcrumbs

With this recipe, you’ll get two whole cups, and your delicious breadcrumbs will be ready in just 30 minutes!

Here’s how quickly you can make your own at home. 

1. Prepare. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Bake. Place bread slices on the oven racks and bake for 30 minutes. 

3. Cool. Carefully remove the bread from the oven, and place it on a wire rack to cool. 

4. Crumble. Add cooled bread to a food processor, and pulse until crumbles. Serve, and enjoy!

Ways to Use Breadcrumbs

It’s a simple ingredient, but I just can’t be without breadcrumbs in my kitchen. There are so many ways to use them!

• Baked dishes. Whenever I need a crunchy topping for a dish, breadcrumbs are my go-to. I like to add them on top of mac and cheese, lasagna, and almost any other pasta dish. 

• Casserole toppings. They also make for a great casserole topping, especially if you enjoy a creamy and crunchy combo. You can even sprinkle some over soups like mushrooms or asparagus.

• Make a crunchy crust. As a coating, they’re great for chicken, fish, pickles, jalapeno poppers, cauliflower, or sliced eggplant. Everything tastes a little bit better with some crunch!

• Salad toppings. Another great way to use breadcrumbs is by adding them to a salad. Whenever I make a Caesar salad, I always go with breadcrumbs instead of croutons to spread out that crunch. 

• Meatloaf. Want to take your meatloaf to the next level? Swap out store-bought breadcrumbs with homemade. It makes a huge difference! They’re also great to add to burgers, meatballs, and stuffed peppers.

Tips & Tricks

For the best breadcrumbs, here are some tips and tricks you can follow.

• Make dark breadcrumbs. If you want darker breadcrumbs, bake your bread slices for five minutes longer. This will also give them a bit more flavor.

• Fresh is not best. Always remember to use bread that is at least a few days old! You’ll want your bread slices to be dry and have less moisture.

• Keep the crust! One great thing about breadcrumbs is that nothing goes to waste. Keep the crusts when baking your bread slices. This will add more texture. 

• Don’t have a food processor? That’s okay! You can also cut up your bread slices into smaller pieces, place them in a plastic bag, and crush them with a rolling pin.

• Add seasoning. Why not add extra flavor to your breadcrumbs? Once they are finely crushed in your food processor or a plastic bag, you can add some parmesan, salt, and pepper.

• Italian breadcrumbs. Another way to add a little spin is to make Italian breadcrumbs. Just mix in some kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for lasagna!

• Make them spicy. Need some spice in your life? Dial up the heat with a little chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. 

How to Store Breadcrumbs

Nobody likes soggy breadcrumbs in their mac and cheese! Keep your breadcrumbs fresh and crunchy by following these easy storage tips. 

• To Store. Store breadcrumbs in a moisture-free environment in an air-tight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 month. They won’t go bad after a month, but they will lose their flavor. 

• To Freeze. Place cooled breadcrumbs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and remove as much air as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.