Go Back
–+ servings

How to Make Breadcrumbs (Plain or Italian)

A step-by-step guide to making homemade breadcrumbs, including the best types of bread, gluten-free options, and how to use and store them. Just 1 ingredient and 25 minutes required!
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Spoonful of homemade breadcrumbs over a jar
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 3 (1/4-cup servings)
Course Helpful How-to
Cuisine Gluten-Free (optional), Vegan (optional)
Freezer Friendly 3 months
Does it keep? 1 Week

Ingredients

PLAIN

  • 3 cups torn or cubed bread of choice (vegan and/or gluten-free as needed // 3 slices sandwich bread yield ~3 cups or 120-180g cubed)

ITALIAN HERB optional

  • 1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning (dried basil + oregano)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (163 C).
  • If using frozen bread, defrost it in the microwave or let thaw at room temperature, then press out excess moisture using a clean dish towel or paper towel.
  • Tear the bread into small pieces or finely chop and place on a bare baking sheet in a single layer (use more baking sheets if needed). Bake for 10 minutes, then toss and bake for another 5-15 minutes until fully dry and firm to the touch. Bake time will depend on the moisture content, type, and age of the bread. Gluten-free bread tends to be more dry, requiring a shorter baking time.
  • Transfer the dry bread to a food processor or blender and pulse/blend until only small crumbs remain. If you don’t have either, there are a couple workable but messier options — you can place the bread in a tall jar and pulse with an immersion blender or add the bread to a plastic bag, seal, and use a rolling pin to break up the bread into small pieces.
  • ITALIAN HERB (optional): Add Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pulse/blend again. Or, add to a bowl and stir.
  • Use these breadcrumbs in gratins, casseroles, veggie burgers, “meatloaf,” meatballs, and beyond!
  • Let cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with white bread and without optional ingredients. 1 serving (1/4 cup) breadcrumbs will have the same nutrition as ~1 slice of whichever bread you’re using.

Nutrition (1 of 3 servings)

Serving: 1 quarter-cup serving Calories: 114 Carbohydrates: 21.3 g Protein: 3.8 g Fat: 1.4 g Saturated Fat: 0.3 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.7 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 211 mg Potassium: 54 mg Fiber: 1.2 g Sugar: 2.4 g Vitamin A: 0 IU Vitamin C: 0 mg Calcium: 62 mg Iron: 1.5 mg