Not only can you use them as a topping, coating, or mix in, they’re also a great way to use leftover bread so you never have to throw away a stale loaf again. If you’re wondering about what bread to use, the many ways you can use them, and how to make your own breadcrumbs at home, I have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know when using or making breadcrumbs. Keep on reading!
What is the Best Bread to Use for Breadcrumbs?
There are so many kinds of bread you can use for your breadcrumbs. You can use white, whole wheat, rye, sourdough, or even burger or hot dog buns. For the best breadcrumbs, always use leftover bread. This is because stale bread is harder and contains less moisture than bread fresh from the oven. Remember, you’ll want breadcrumbs to be crunchy! If you don’t have leftover bread, you can remove some of the moisture from fresh bread by heating it in a toaster for a few minutes and then letting it cool down to room temperature. We always say fresh is best, but when it comes to breadcrumbs, you’ll want your bread to be stale. And once you learn to make them at home, you’ll never have to throw away a stale loaf of bread again!
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! 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. 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 mushroom or asparagus. 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! If you’re cooking for kids, breadcrumbs are an absolute must! 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. They’re also great to add to burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf.
How to Store Breadcrumbs
Nobody likes soggy breadcrumbs in their mac and cheese! Keep your breadcrumbs fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It’s important to keep out moisture so they don’t get soggy and lose their texture. If they’re sealed, you can leave them on your kitchen counter at room temperature for up to 1 month. Any longer than that, and they might lose their flavor.
Can You Freeze Breadcrumbs?
Want to keep your breadcrumbs for longer? You can store them in the freezer! Remember to use a freezer-safe, airtight container. This will help them last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to add them to your dish, take your breadcrumbs out and spread them evenly on a baking pan. It’s important to remove any moisture, so cover them with a paper towel for about 30 minutes. When they’re nice and dry, pop them in the oven at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In 10-15 minutes, they’ll be ready to add to your delicious dish! If you don’t feel like using the oven, you can also toast them in a pan.
How to Make Toasted Breadcrumbs
There are several kinds of breadcrumbs you can choose from at the store, but if you want to customize your breadcrumbs, homemade is the way to go! You can make them light or dark, fine or coarse. You can even make them with different kinds of bread, so you can match up the flavors with whatever main dish you’re making. Ready to make your very own breadcrumbs? With this recipe, you’ll get two whole cups, and your delicious breadcrumbs will be ready in just 30 minutes!
Tips & Tricks
For the best breadcrumbs, here are some tips and tricks you can follow.
If you want darker breadcrumbs, bake your bread slices for five minutes longer. This will also give them a bit more flavor.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.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 in a plastic bag, and crush with a rolling pin.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.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!Other seasonings you can add to plain breadcrumbs are dried basil, oregano, or marjoram. You can also make them spicy with chili powder!
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