How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs
If you make or buy any kind of bread, youll never have to see anothet piece of bread go to waste again! These homemade breadcrumbs are so easy to make that almost any member of your family can make them.
Instead of watching the second half of a loaf mold, they can be transformed into something delicious for topping pasta or coating chicken before frying.
Why Learn To Make Breadcrumbs?
Well, as I entered into the world of sourdough baking, I discovered I needed practice on my dough making skills. When I began practicing more, I realized my husband and I’s stomachs could not keep up with all the loaves and buns I made. Not to mention not every loaf turned out the most enjoyable.
With my freezer filling up fast with the good loafs I made, and the guilt of throwing away far from perfect creations loomed over me, I needed a solution to limit any waste. Not long after that I thought I was watching another content creator and she was making breadcrumbs from a partial loaf! It was then that I decided I would put my previously baked bread to a better use.
After watching many others make breadcrumbs, I thought I would try my hand at it. The first few batches were good. However, my sourdough was a bit tough and, once baked, it was difficult to get into small enough pieces. After a few of those batches, I thought I would try putting the bread into my trusty Vitamix to blend before baking.
This is what really changed the breadcrumb making game. The Vitamix made perfect little breadcrumbs with little effort and much faster than I. Making breadcrumbs by utilizing my blender has definitely allowed me to enjoy the breadcrumbs making process.
Looking for more homemade recipes? You might also enjoy this cinnamon spice zucchini bread OR this simple and delicious granola!
Ingredients and Tools to Make Breadcrumbs
Bread – For best results, use bread that is at least a few days old.
A blender– I’ve only ever used my Vitamix but any blender should work as long as it can blend the bread into small crumbs. If you do not have a blender available, use your hands to break bread into small pieces.
A baking dish – I use a 9×13 glass baking dish. Anything that will hold your crumbs will work.
Oil – I like using avocado oil because it has a neutral flavor. If you prefer to use olive oil, it will work just as well.
Seasonings (optional) – I like making Italian breadcrumbs so I include spices like garlic, Basil, oregano, onion, parsley, salt and pepper.
Oven – Your oven will need to be set to 425°F
An airtight storage container– I LOVE using canning jars for this. Any reused airtight jar will work as well.
Instructions on Making Homemade Breadcrumbs
Preheat your oven to 425°F
In your blender, add a few pieces of bread.
After replacing the blender lid, turn your blender to a medium-medium high speed until your bread is in small pieces. If there are some larger bread pieces left, remove larger pieces and set aside.
Pour uncooked breadcrumbs into your baking dish.
Keep blending bread pieces until the bottom of your dish is covered in a thin layer of blended bread.
Drizzle avocado oil over the uncooked breadcrumbs. Your breadcrumbs should have a decent amount of oil but should not be soggy. I use around 1-2 tablespoons per 9×13 pan.
If using spices, add the desired amount here. I use around ½ – 1 tablespoon of each spice listed above..
Place the prepared baking dish in your preheated oven for 10 – 15 minutes or until your crumbs are golden brown.
If you’re making a large batch of breadcrumbs, continue to blend bread while your first batch is baking.
Once golden brown, remove your baking dish from the oven.
If this is your only batch of breadcrumbs, allow everything to cool before storing.
If you’re making more than one pan full or breadcrumbs, transfer cooked breadcrumbs to a flat container, such as a plate or large bowl that will allow your new breadcrumbs to spread out as much as possible to avoid trapping moisture. If you don’t have a large bowl, be sure to stir your bowl of breadcrumbs.
If you’re making more than one pan full of breadcrumbs, repeat the above steps until you make your desired amount of breadcrumbs.
Once all of your breadcrumbs have cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight container in your fridge.
Tip for making Homemade Breadcrumbs
If you don’t have “old” bread, cut up your fresh bread and leave it on the counter, uncovered for a few hours. This will help the bread to dry out so it crumbles easier in the blender.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to know! Tag @missyshomestead on instagram.
