Creating Homemade Seasoned Bread Crumbs: A Simple Guide

Breadcrumbs are a pantry staple that are used for coating meats, vegetables, and many other dishes. They add crunch, texture, and a delicious flavor to any dish. While you can buy pre-made breadcrumbs from the store, making your own seasoned breadcrumbs at home is incredibly easy, and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.

All you need to make seasoned breadcrumbs is some stale bread, a few herbs and spices, and a food processor or a blender. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of making fresh and delicious breadcrumbs from scratch. Whether you’re looking for a breadcrumb coating for chicken schnitzel, meatballs, or simply want to add some extra crunch to your salads, this recipe will save you money and add some serious flavor to your dishes. So, let’s get started!

Making Seasoned Bread Crumbs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Breadcrumbs are a crucial ingredient in any dish that requires a crispy, crunchy coating, such as chicken parmesan or fried fish. Making your own breadcrumbs allows you to have complete control over the texture and flavor you want to achieve. In this article, we will show you how to make fresh, homemade seasoned breadcrumbs in just a few easy steps.

1. Choose the Right Bread
The first step in making breadcrumbs is to choose the right bread. The best type of bread for breadcrumbs is stale bread because it is drier and will yield a better texture. However, if you don’t have stale bread, you can use fresh bread as well. It just may take a little longer to dry out.

2. Slice and Dry the Bread
Once you have your bread, slice it into small pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Let the bread sit out on the counter for a few hours or overnight to dry out. Alternatively, you can dry it out in a low oven (around 200°F) for 20-30 minutes.

3. Choose Your Seasonings
The next step is to choose your seasonings. You can use any combination of herbs and spices that you like. Common seasonings for breadcrumbs include salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite.

4. Blend Your Ingredients
Once your bread is dry and your seasonings are chosen, it’s time to blend everything together. You can use a food processor, blender or even a mortar and pestle. Blend the dried bread and seasonings until the mixture is fine and uniform in texture.

5. Store Your Breadcrumbs
After you’ve created your breadcrumbs, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing any moisture. You can store your breadcrumbs in the refrigerator or freezer (they’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer).

6. Use Your Breadcrumbs
Now that you’ve made your seasoned breadcrumbs, it’s time to start using them in your favorite recipes. You can use them to coat chicken, fish, vegetables, or even as a topping for casseroles. Simply toss your food in the breadcrumbs and bake or fry until crispy.

7. Breadcrumb Variations
There are several variations you can make to your breadcrumbs to add even more flavor. For example, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese, or you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. You can even mix in some ground nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added flavor and texture.

8. Tips for Success
When making breadcrumbs, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. First, make sure your bread is completely dry before blending. Moisture can cause your breadcrumbs to clump together instead of remaining light and crispy. Additionally, don’t over blend your breadcrumbs, or you may end up with a paste instead of breadcrumbs.

9. Other Ways to Use Breadcrumbs
In addition to using breadcrumbs as a coating for savory dishes, you can also use them in sweet dishes. Breadcrumbs can be a delicious addition to desserts like apple crisp or bread pudding. You can even use them to make a crust for cheesecake or as a topping for ice cream.

10. Conclusion
Making your own seasoned breadcrumbs is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create fresh, flavorful breadcrumbs that will elevate any dish. Whether you’re coating chicken or creating a delicious dessert, homemade breadcrumbs are a versatile and delicious addition to any dish.

Why use seasoned bread crumbs?

Seasoned bread crumbs add a burst of flavor and texture to your dishes, making them more delicious and interesting. They also help keep your dishes moist and prevent them from drying out. Whether you’re making meatballs, chicken cutlets, fish sticks, or casseroles, seasoned bread crumbs can take your dishes to the next level.

Ingredients you need to make seasoned bread crumbs

To make seasoned bread crumbs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– Bread: use stale bread or toast for the best results
– Seasoning: choose your favorite herbs and spices such as garlic, onion, oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, and paprika
– Salt and pepper: to taste
– Olive oil: to help the bread crumbs become crispy and golden brown

How to make seasoned bread crumbs

Here are the steps to make seasoned bread crumbs:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut the bread into small cubes or break it into small pieces.
4. Spread the bread cubes or pieces onto the lined baking sheet.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the bread and toss to coat evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
7. Let the bread cool down for a few minutes.
8. Transfer the bread into a food processor or blender.
9. Add your preferred seasoning, salt, and pepper.
10. Pulse or blend until you achieve your desired breadcrumb texture.

Storage tips for seasoned bread crumbs

To keep your seasoned bread crumbs fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also store them in the freezer for up to six months. Use them straight from the freezer as needed.

Ways to use seasoned bread crumbs

Seasoned bread crumbs can be used in various dishes. Here are some ways to use them:

– As a coating for chicken, fish, or pork chops before frying or baking
– As a topping for casseroles or mac and cheese
– As a binder for meatballs or meatloaf
– As a stuffing for vegetables or poultry
– As a crispy topping for salads or soups

Substitutes for bread crumbs

If you don’t have bread crumbs on hand, here are some substitutes you can use:

– Crushed crackers
– Panko
– Rolled oats
– Cornflakes
– Almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option

How to make gluten-free seasoned bread crumbs

To make gluten-free seasoned bread crumbs, substitute the bread with gluten-free toast or bread. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour instead of bread crumbs.

How to make vegan seasoned bread crumbs

To make vegan seasoned bread crumbs, skip the olive oil and use a vegan butter or spread instead. You can also use nutritional yeast flakes instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.

How to make Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs

To make Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs, add the following seasoning to your bread crumbs:

– Dried oregano
– Dried basil
– Dried parsley
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to make spicy seasoned bread crumbs

To make spicy seasoned bread crumbs, add the following seasoning to your bread crumbs:

– Paprika
– Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Seasoned Bread Crumbs?

Now that we know what bread crumbs are and what you can use them for let’s dive straight into making seasoned bread crumbs! Homemade bread crumbs are an excellent and budget-friendly addition to any dish, as they can be seasoned to taste and tailor-made for your personal preferences.

What equipment do you need to make bread crumbs?

The best way to make bread crumbs is by using a food processor or blender. Alternatively, you can also use a grater or hand-crumble the bread using your fingers. If you are using a food processor or blender, it is recommended to break the bread into smaller pieces to avoid overloading the equipment or causing uneven blending.

Choosing the right bread for bread crumbs

The type of bread you select for the bread crumbs can impact the texture and taste of the final product. We recommend avoiding fresh bread for making bread crumbs; instead, opt for stale bread that has been left out for several days. The drier the bread, the better the crumbs, as stale bread is easier to crumble and tends to absorb and hold seasonings better. It is recommended to use bread with a relatively neutral flavor to avoid overpowering the desired seasoning.

How to season your bread crumbs

Seasoning is the most crucial step in making bread crumbs. Here, you have the freedom to be as creative as you want to be, or you can use a recipe for a specific dish. You can season bread crumbs with a range of spices, herbs, and cheese blends to suit your taste preferences. Some of the go-to seasoning options for bread crumbs include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, and grated parmesan cheese.

You can mix and match different seasonings to create your flavor profile. The key is to use moderate quantities to avoid overpowering the dish’s taste. Try different combinations and adjust the proportions according to your preferences.

How to store seasoned bread crumbs

Seasoned bread crumbs can be stored in airtight containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator or freezer for extended shelf life. If you generate large amounts of bread crumbs, it may be a good idea to divide them into smaller portions and store them separately. This makes it easier to grab the amount you need without compromising the rest.

What dishes you can use seasoned bread crumbs for?

Seasoned bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. They are a popular addition to meatloaf, chicken nuggets, and baked chicken. You can also use them to create a crunchy coating for onion rings, fish, and vegetables, or to thicken soups, stews, and sauces. Additionally, seasoned bread crumbs are perfect for making crispy toppings for mac and cheese or casseroles.

In conclusion, homemade seasoned bread crumbs are a great way to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Mastering the art of making seasoned bread crumbs is simple and rewarding. By following these simple steps, you can customize your bread crumbs to complement and elevate various dishes.

Time to Add Some Flavor to Your Bread Crumbs!

Now that you know how easy it is to make seasoned bread crumbs, there’s no reason to settle for plain, boring bread crumbs ever again. Give your dishes a little extra pop and try experimenting with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique blend. Thanks for joining me on this flavorful journey. Don’t forget to come back soon for more delicious recipes and tips! Happy cooking!