How to Make Italian Bread Crumbs from Scratch

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and often whip up delicious dishes in the kitchen, then you must be familiar with the essential ingredient – breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs are used in a variety of dishes, from meatballs to fish cakes, and they can add a crunchy texture and flavor to your meal. However, have you ever thought of making your own breadcrumbs at home? In this article, we’ll show you how to make Italian breadcrumbs that are perfect for adding to many dishes.

Making breadcrumbs is easy and can be done with just a few basic ingredients. Instead of buying breadcrumbs from the grocery store, the homemade version is less expensive and free of any preservatives or additives. Italian breadcrumbs have a distinct flavor profile that adds an extra touch of authenticity to your dishes. So, grab some bread and let’s get started on creating some delicious Italian breadcrumbs!

Section: How to Make Italian Bread Crumbs

If you’ve ever cooked a dish that needed Italian bread crumbs, then you know just how flavor-packed and versatile these little crumbs can be. They add a crunchy texture to breaded chicken, fish, and vegetables, bring extra depth and flavor to stuffing, and make a beautiful topping for casseroles. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to the store to buy them – it’s easy and fun to make them at home. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Bread

The first step in making Italian bread crumbs is choosing the right bread. You want bread that is dry and has a firm texture. Avoid using fresh bread as it will be difficult to make it into crumbs and will not toast properly. Rather, opt for stale bread or bread that has been sitting on your counter for a few days.

2. Cut Bread into Cubes

Next, cut the bread into small cubes using a serrated knife. The cubes should be roughly the same size to ensure that all the breadcrumbs toast evenly. You can use any type of bread, but we recommend using either white or whole-grain bread.

3. Spread Out Bread Cubes

Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight. This will ensure that the bread is completely dry and will toast evenly.

4. Toast the Bread Cubes

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toast the bread cubes in the oven until they’re golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.

5. Cool Bread Cubes

Once the bread cubes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

6. Blend the Bread Cubes

Transfer the bread cubes to a food processor and pulse them until they’re in small crumbs. Be careful not to over-process them as they can turn into a fine powder.

7. Add Your Herbs

Now, it’s time to add some herbs. You can use any combination of dried herbs you like, but we recommend using parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Mix Everything Together

Mix the herbs and spices into the bread crumbs evenly.

9. Store in an Airtight Container

You can store homemade Italian bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to three months. They will retain their flavor and texture as long as they are stored in a dry place.

10. Use Your Homemade Bread Crumbs

Now that you have your homemade Italian bread crumbs, you can use it in any recipe that calls for them. They add a beautiful flavor and texture to any dish!

Ingredients Needed to Make Italian Bread Crumbs

Before we delve into how to make Italian bread crumbs, let’s first go over the ingredients that you will need. The good news is that you probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

1. Bread: Start with high-quality bread, preferably stale or dried bread. Sourdough, French or Italian bread will all work.

2. Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil is best, as it adds a rich flavor to the bread crumbs.

3. Spices and Seasoning: Italian bread crumbs require a mix of herbs, spices, and seasonings. The most traditional herbs include garlic, basil, and parsley. Other common additions are oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

4. Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor profile of the bread crumbs.

5. Parmesan Cheese: Adding parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty taste to the bread crumbs.

6. Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are an alternate option to add texture and crunch to the Italian style bread crumbs.

7. Onion Powder: Onion powder is a commonly added ingredient to achieve an extra layer of flavor in the bread crumbs.

8. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is an aromatic and flavorful addition to Italian style bread crumbs.

9. Dried Basil: Dried basil is commonly used in Italian cuisine and adds an earthy sweet and savory note to the bread crumbs.

10. Italian Seasoning- Italian seasoning is a classic spice blend that includes thyme, basil, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, and sage. It can be added to the breadcrumb mix for added depth of flavor.

With these ingredients ready, we can start making Italian bread crumbs that are perfect for a range of recipes, including baked chicken, pasta dishes, and more.

What Can You Use Italian Bread Crumbs For?

Italian bread crumbs can be used in a variety of dishes, from topping casseroles to coating chicken cutlets. Here are some ideas:

Pasta Dishes

Italian bread crumbs can be added to pasta dishes for texture and crunch. Simply toss the cooked pasta with olive oil and sprinkle the crumbs on top. You can also use the crumbs to make a crispy pasta topping, by mixing them with butter, cheese, and herbs, then baking until golden brown.

Meatballs and Meatloaf

Italian bread crumbs are a common ingredient in meatballs and meatloaf, as they help to bind the meat mixture and add flavor and texture. Mix the crumbs with ground beef, pork, or turkey, along with eggs, onions, garlic, and other seasonings, then shape into balls or a loaf and bake until cooked through.

Fried Foods

Italian bread crumbs can be used as a coating for fried foods, such as chicken, fish, or vegetables. Dip the item in a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, then coat with the crumbs, and fry until crispy and golden brown. You can also mix the crumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Casseroles

Italian bread crumbs can be used as a topping for casseroles, such as macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, or shepherd’s pie. Simply sprinkle the crumbs on top of the casserole before baking, along with some melted butter, and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Breading

Italian bread crumbs can be used as a breading for a variety of dishes, from chicken cutlets to eggplant parmesan. Dip the food in beaten eggs, then coat with the crumbs, and bake or fry until cooked through. You can also mix the crumbs with flour and seasonings for extra flavor.

Italian bread crumbs can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes, making them a versatile ingredient in your pantry. With a little creativity, you can use them to add an Italian spin to your favorite recipes, from pasta to meatballs to fried foods. Try making your own Italian bread crumbs to add a homemade touch and customize the flavor to your liking, and explore different recipes to find new ways to use this delicious ingredient.

Don’t Forget to Add Italian Bread Crumbs to Your Next Recipe!

Now that you know how to make your own Italian bread crumbs, you can add a delicious touch of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re making chicken parmesan or roasted vegetables, these bread crumbs are sure to impress your taste buds. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us again for more tasty recipes and tips!