Homemade seasoned bread crumbs are so easy to make, and they taste much better than store-bought! This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover bread, whether it’s sliced bread, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, or any bread I have sitting around. I dry the bread, crush it into fine bread crumbs, and mix it with a delicious blend of herbs and spices. They’re perfect for adding extra flavor and crunch to so many recipes, and you can easily make a big batch and keep it in the freezer for whenever you need it!
Ingredients for Seasoned Bread Crumbs
● Bread crumbs: The base of this recipe. You can make your own using leftover bread or use plain, unseasoned bread crumbs.
● Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild, smoky flavor.
● Salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
● Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and a hint of peppery flavor.
● Dried parsley: Adds a mild, herby flavor that works well with the other seasonings.
● Oregano: Brings a delicious earthy, slightly peppery flavor to the mixture.
● Thyme: Adds a subtle earthy and herbal taste.
● Basil: Gives the bread crumbs a sweet, fragrant herbal flavor.
● Garlic powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor that makes these bread crumbs extra delicious.
● Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and savory flavor that complements the other spices.
How to Make Homemade Bread Crumbs
Making homemade bread crumbs is a great way to use up leftover bread instead of throwing it away. You can use almost any type of bread you have on hand, including sliced bread, hamburger buns, and hot dog buns.
1. Prepare the bread: Slice the bread in half if needed and arrange it in a single layer on a baking tray.
2. Air-dry the bread: Leave the bread on the tray for about a day, or until it becomes completely hard and dry. The drying time may vary depending on the type of bread and the humidity.
3. Use the oven if preferred: If you don’t want to wait, place the bread in the oven at a low temperature until it is completely dry. Keep an eye on it because you want the bread to dry out without browning too much.
4. Crush the bread: Once the bread is hard and dry, break it into smaller pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you reach your desired texture, whether you prefer fine or slightly coarse bread crumbs.
Your homemade bread crumbs are now ready to be seasoned!
How to Make Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Once your bread crumbs are ready, turning them into seasoned bread crumbs takes only a few minutes.
1. Add the bread crumbs: Place the homemade bread crumbs in a large bowl.
2. Add the seasonings: Add the paprika, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Mix everything together: Stir well until all the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread crumbs.
4. Store for later: Transfer the seasoned bread crumbs to an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Store them in the freezer for longer-lasting freshness and take out what you need whenever you’re ready to cook.
That’s it! You have homemade seasoned bread crumbs ready to use in your favorite recipes.
What Can You Use Seasoned Bread Crumbs For?
These homemade seasoned bread crumbs are so versatile and can be used in many different recipes.
● Chicken tenders: Coat chicken strips in the seasoned bread crumbs for a flavorful, crispy coating.
● Breaded chicken cutlets: Use them to coat thin chicken breasts before frying or baking.
● Chicken Parmesan: They make a delicious, crispy coating for chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
● Fish: Use them to coat fish fillets before baking, air-frying, or pan-frying.
● Meatballs: Mix some into your meatball mixture to help bind the ingredients together and add flavor.
● Meatloaf: Add them to your meatloaf mixture to help hold everything together.
● Stuffed vegetables: Sprinkle them over stuffed vegetables or casseroles for extra texture.
● Casseroles: Use them as a topping for baked dishes to create a delicious, crunchy layer.
● Mac and cheese: Sprinkle them over the top before baking for a crispy finish.
● Vegetables: Coat vegetables such as zucchini or cauliflower before baking or air-frying.
You can use these seasoned bread crumbs in almost any recipe that calls for Italian-style or savory bread crumbs. Keep a batch on hand, and you’ll always have an easy way to add flavor and crunch to your meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of bread to make bread crumbs?
Yes! You can use sliced bread, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, or almost any plain bread you have leftover. Different types of bread may give you slightly different textures and flavors.
Do I have to let the bread air-dry for a whole day?
No. Air-drying is my preferred method, but you can also dry the bread in the oven at a low temperature. The important thing is to make sure the bread is completely dry before crushing it.
Can I use store-bought bread crumbs?
Yes! You can prepare a large batch of homemade bread crumbs, season them, and store them for future recipes. It’s a great way to save time when cooking during the week.
How should I store seasoned bread crumbs?
Store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. For short-term use, keep them in a cool, dry place if they are completely dry. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
How long do homemade seasoned bread crumbs last?
Their shelf life depends on how thoroughly the bread was dried and how they are stored. For the best quality, keep them well sealed, check for any signs of moisture or spoilage, and freeze them if you want to store them longer.
Can I change the seasonings?
Of course! You can adjust the spices to your taste. Add more garlic powder, increase the paprika, or include other dried herbs depending on the recipes you plan to make.
Can I use these bread crumbs instead of plain bread crumbs in recipes?
Yes. Keep in mind that these bread crumbs are already seasoned, so you may want to reduce the additional salt and spices in your recipe.
Tips and Tricks
● Use leftover bread: Save extra bread instead of throwing it away. You can collect different types of plain bread and turn them into one batch.
● Make sure the bread is completely dry: Any remaining moisture can affect the texture and storage life of your bread crumbs.
● Don’t brown the bread too much: When using the oven, keep the temperature low so the bread dries without becoming overly toasted.
● Control the texture: Pulse the bread in short bursts for better control. Stop when you reach your preferred consistency.
● Season evenly: Mix the bread crumbs and spices thoroughly so every bite gets a balanced flavor.
● Customize the flavor: Adjust the herbs and spices depending on what you’re cooking. You can make the mixture more garlicky, peppery, or herby.
● Freeze in portions: Divide the bread crumbs into smaller portions before freezing so you can take out only what you need.
● Label your container: Write the date and name on the container or bag to make it easier to keep track of your homemade seasoning.
● Keep moisture out: Always use a clean, dry spoon and return the bread crumbs to the freezer promptly after taking out what you need.
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Make the bread crumbs: I usually use any leftover bread I have, such as sliced bread, buns, hot dog buns, or hamburger buns. Slice the bread in half if needed, place it on a tray, and let it air-dry for a day until completely hard. You can also dry the bread in the oven at a low temperature. Just make sure not to let it brown too much.
- Crush the bread: Once the bread is completely dry, place it in a food processor and pulse until you get fine bread crumbs.
- Season the bread crumbs: Transfer the bread crumbs to a bowl and mix with the paprika, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is evenly combined.
- Store: Transfer the seasoned bread crumbs to an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Store them in the freezer for longer-lasting freshness, and use them whenever needed.
Notes