Bread crumbs are a key ingredient in many recipes, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to make. If you’re looking for a substitute, don’t worry – you probably have some of these ingredients in your pantry already. Here are four substitutes for bread crumbs that will work just as well in your recipes.

What is bread crumb?

Bread Crumb
Source: Crust or interior
Size: Fine, medium, coarse
Texture: Dry, crispy, slightly moist
Color: Golden brown, light brown, white
Flavor: Savory, neutral, toasted
Use: Coating (chicken, fish), stuffing (meatloaf, vegetables), topping (casseroles, pasta), thickening (soups, sauces)
Ingredients: Bread, optional seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, herbs)
Gluten Status: Gluten-free (if made with gluten-free bread)
Shelf Life: Up to 1 week stored in an airtight container

 

Bread crumbs are small pieces of bread that are typically used as a breading in recipes, such as fried chicken or meatballs. They can be made by grinding or pulsing slices of bread in a food processor, blender, or even by hand with a rolling pin. While they are commonly thought of as an ingredient used only in savory dishes, bread crumbs can also be used in sweet recipes to add a crunchy texture or as a coating for baked goods.

The benefits of using bread crumbs in cooking

Bread crumbs are beneficial in cooking as they create a crispy coating, which helps to preserve the flavor and moisture of the food. Stale bread crumbs can be used to bind ingredients together for dishes like meatballs. Additionally, they help to add moisture and fluffiness to the preparation.

Use oats as a substitute for bread crumbs in recipes like meatloaf or chicken

Oats can be used as a substitute for bread crumbs when making meatloaf or chicken Oatmeal has more body than breadcrumbs, resulting in a slightly different texture To maintain texture, make a panade with the oatmeal just like the bread crumbs

Grind up nuts like almonds or pistachios to use as a coating

substitute for bread crumbs

This adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to your dish. Simply pulse in a food processor until they reach a bread crumb consistency, and use as desired.

Don’t let the lack of bread crumbs stop you from making your favorite dish – these pantry staples make for easy and tasty substitutes. Give them a try in your next recipe.

Use rolled-up oats or cereal flakes as an exterior coating

substitute for bread crumbs

Simply place them on a plate, and press your protein of choice onto the oats to create a crunchy coating. This is a great gluten-free option as well. Use flavored cereals for added taste – try honey Nut Cheerios for chicken tenders, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for French toast sticks. The sky’s the limit.

Soak stale bread in milk and then crumble it up to use as a replacement

This adds a creamy texture and taste to your dish. Simply let the bread soak in milk for about 10 minutes, then crumble it up and use as you would traditional bread crumbs. Perfect for dishes like meatballs or chicken parmesan.

These substitutes for bread crumbs are easy, tasty options when you find yourself out of the traditional ingredient. Give them a try in your next recipe.

Gluten-Free Substitutes for Bread Crumbs

Gluten-Free Substitutes for Bread Crumbs

Utilize homemade almond flour or almond meal as a gluten-free substitute for bread crumbs. Corn flakes can be used, but be sure to read the ingredients label to ensure they are gluten free. Gluten-free crackers, rolled oats (certified gluten free), nuts, gluten-free pretzels, potato chips, rice or corn Chex cereal, and crushed pork rinds can all also be utilized as substitutes for bread crumbs.

Where to find Bread Crumb?

Bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. They can be purchased at most grocery stores and specialty food shops, or you can make your own by grinding or pulsing sliced bread in a food processor, blender, or with a rolling pin. Some good options for substitutes include crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and oats.

Comparison of different types of bread crumbs

Panko is crunchier and absorbs less fat, making it ideal for baked and fried foods. Regular breadcrumbs provide a softer texture in dishes like meatloaf or meatballs.

FAQ: Substitute for bread crumbs?

Are breadcrumbs good for you?

Breadcrumbs, especially those made from whole wheat, are a good source of dietary fibre which benefits digestive health. Consumption of breadcrumbs helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing the need for frequent food intake.

What is the substitute of 1 cup of breadcrumbs in food preparation?

A substitute for 1 cup of breadcrumbs in food preparation is ¼ cup panko, ¼ cup cracker or pretzel crumbs, and ¼ cup crushed cornflakes or other unsweetened cereals. For meat mixtures such as meat loaf or burgers, ⅔ cup of regular rolled oats can be used.

Can you use oats instead of bread crumbs?

Oats make an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf, adding texture and helping bind together ingredients and flavorings. Oats are not ideal for creating a crispy coating.

Can you use cornflakes instead of bread crumbs?

Cornflakes make an ideal bread crumb substitute, particularly when making chicken. The flavor is delicate and the texture is ultra-crispy. To make crumbs from cornflakes, place them into a bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

Can you use crackers instead of bread crumbs?

Crackers can be used as a substitute for bread crumbs in baked dishes. Salty saltines or buttery Ritz are flavorful options for adding an extra burst of flavor to the dish. Crackers work just as well as bread crumbs to hold the mixture together.

What is bread crumbs made of?

Bread crumbs are produced by pulverizing bread slices in a food processor. Coarse and fine crumbs can be produced using either a steel or grating blade.

Why are breadcrumbs healthy?

Breadcrumbs are healthy as they are made from whole wheat bread which is rich in fibre. Consumption of breadcrumbs can help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Eating breadcrumbs can help to control blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, reducing the need for frequent food intake.

Is breadcrumbs the same as flour?

Breadcrumbs are the result of baked, dried and broken up items. Flour is not baked. When cooking with flour, it must be cooked to avoid a gritty, uncooked taste.

Why is it called breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs, also known as breadcrumb trails, originated from the story of ‘Hansel and Gretel’, in which the character dropped a trail of breadcrumbs to trace their way home. The term has since been applied to digital navigation paths used to track a user’s progress through a website.

Should I use flour or breadcrumbs for chicken?

When considering coating chicken with either flour or breadcrumbs, taste and texture must be taken into account. Flour will produce a light, crisp surface on the chicken. Breadcrumbs provide a more robust crunch.

Beatrice Payne

Beatrice Payne is an editor for Earl’s Grocery, a sandwich restaurant with a focus on real food. She has worked in the publishing industry for many years and is passionate about helping businesses communicate their message effectively. Beatrice enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves exploring new restaurants.