You know that feeling when you bite into something perfectly crispy and it just makes everything right in the world? That’s the magic of homemade breadcrumbs. I remember during the lockdown—when store shelves were emptier than my social calendar—I started making these from scratch, and they’ve been a game-changer ever since. Let’s dive into this simple yet transformative recipe.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Tear your bread into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you reach the desired texture, adjusting the pulsing for finer or coarser crumbs.
- Spread the processed breadcrumbs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 10-18 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
- Once toasted, transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl. While still warm, toss with lemon zest and grated pecorino cheese or vegan Parmesan to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding options like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. Use these seasoned breadcrumbs as a topping for dishes like pasta or salads.
Ingredients
- Bread (preferably sourdough or any type of bread, stale or fresh)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese or Vegan Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use fresh bread to make breadcrumbs?
- Yes, fresh bread can be used to make breadcrumbs, though it might take a bit longer to achieve a crispy texture compared to using stale bread.
- What type of bread is best for making breadcrumbs?
- Any type of bread can be used to make breadcrumbs. Sourdough is a popular choice for its tangy flavor, but feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand.
- How should I store homemade breadcrumbs?
- Store seasoned breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer and re-crisp them in the oven as needed.
- What can I use homemade breadcrumbs for?
- Homemade breadcrumbs are versatile and can be used as a topping for pasta, salads, and casseroles. They’re a great alternative to croutons in salads as well.
- What seasonings can I add to my breadcrumbs?
- In addition to salt, you can enhance your breadcrumbs with lemon zest, pecorino cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: While any bread can be used, sourdough adds a tangy flavor to your breadcrumbs. Stale bread is ideal, but if using fresh, allow for extra toasting time to achieve the desired crispness.
- Customize Your Seasonings: After toasting, enhance the flavor of your breadcrumbs by adding ingredients like lemon zest, pecorino cheese, or a vegan parmesan. You can also experiment with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a personalized touch.
- Achieve Desired Texture: For finer breadcrumbs, remove the crusts before pulsing the bread in a food processor. Adjust the pulsing time based on whether you want fine or coarse crumbs.
- Storage Tips: Store seasoned breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer and re-crisp them in the oven when needed.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Essential for pulsing the bread to the desired crumb texture.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheet for toasting the breadcrumbs.
