How to Make Bread Crumbs

Let’s talk about how to make bread crumbs! Once you grasp this simple method to make your own homemade bread crumbs, you’ll wonder why you ever paid more for lower quality ones from the store.

4 Reasons Homemade Bread Crumbs Are Better

Making homemade breadcrumbs offers several advantages over store-bought options:

1. Freshness and Quality Control: You can choose high-quality bread, ensuring the best taste and texture for your recipes. I also always select a whole grain loaf of bread to use, so it’s a little healthier too.
2. Cost Savings and Less Food Waste: Making your own allows you to save money by utilizing leftover bread that might be otherwise tossed out.
3. Reduced Additives and Preservatives: Most store-bought breadcrumbs contain additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. By making your own, it’s a little easier to avoid these.
4. Flexibility and Versatility: Whether you prefer a fine or coarse texture, you can easily adjust the breadcrumbs based on your preference or the requirements of your recipe.

Ingredients Needed

Good news! You only need ONE ingredient for this recipe. Yep, just one.

• Stale bread

If you don’t have stale bread on hand, just bake or toast some bread until it’s crispy and let it cool.

I prefer to use a 100% whole grain loaf, since it has more fiber and nutrients. Be sure to read the ingredient list and avoid any weird additives or preservatives. If you can’t pronounce and/or don’t recognize the word, there’s a good chance it shouldn’t be in your bread. 😉 Using fresh baked bread from a bakery or homemade bread is the best idea!

How to Make Bread Crumbs

Whether it’s the heels of past loaves that have collected in the freezer or slightly stale bread (not moldy though!) from the counter, you’ve got the perfect ingredient for bread crumbs on your hands. If it’s not very stale or dry, you can always toast it for a little extra crisp. Tear the bread into small pieces.

Place the stale bread pieces in the food processor or a blender. Process/blend until the crumbs are the texture you prefer.

You’ve now got fresh bread crumbs on your hands. Read on for how to use them and store them.

How to Store Homemade Bread Crumbs

If you don’t plan to use your crumbs right away, here’s how to store them:

Store in the Fridge: Store in an air-tight bag or container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Store in the Freezer:

1. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
2. Label the container with the name, amount of breadcrumbs, and the freezing date.
3. Freeze the breadcrumbs on a flat surface, so they don’t all clump together in the freezer, for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use your frozen breadcrumbs, either thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on the microwave to quickly thaw them.

Do bread crumbs go bad?

Yes, bread crumbs can go bad if they are not stored properly or kept for too long. Moisture, exposure to air, and the presence of microorganisms can cause them to become stale, moldy, or clump together. To extend the shelf-life of the store-bought kind shelf life, store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If using homemade bread crumbs, we suggest storing the fridge or freezer instead. Discard them if you notice any signs of spoilage like a bad smell, unusual texture, or mold.

How long do bread crumbs last?

The shelf life of bread crumbs can vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and the presence of additives or preservatives. In general, commercially packaged bread crumbs typically have a recommended shelf life of about 6 to 12 months from the date of production. Our homemade bread crumbs recipe will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Where are bread crumbs in the grocery store?

Bread crumbs are typically found in the baking or pantry section of the grocery store. They are often located near other baking supplies such as flour, sugar, and cake mixes. In some stores, they might also be grouped with other breadcrumbs, coating mixes, or seasonings for convenience. If you’re having trouble locating them, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, we have a recipe for Gluten Free Bread Crumbs that’s just as easy as this one!

To sum it up, making your own bread crumbs is easy, economical, and lets you add your own personal touch. With just a few steps, you can turn leftover bread into flavorful crumbs that will elevate your cooking and help reduce food waste.