Crunchy, delicious, and oh-so-versatile, homemade bread crumbs are a kitchen essential that adds a perfect finishing touch to countless dishes. Whether you’re coating chicken cutlets, sprinkling them over baked mac and cheese, or using them in meatballs, having a batch of homemade bread crumbs on hand elevates your cooking game to a whole new level. Making your own bread crumbs is not only a great way to reduce food waste but also allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Today, we’re sharing a simple and foolproof recipe for Homemade Bread Crumbs that’ll have you reaching for them again and again in your recipes.
**Homemade Bread Crumbs Recipe Rachel Cooks**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 to 6 slices of day-old bread (white, whole wheat, or a mix)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano – optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the slices of day-old bread into smaller pieces. If the bread is still a bit soft, you can place the pieces on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until they are slightly dried out.
3. Once the bread pieces are slightly dried, transfer them to a food processor or blender. Pulse the bread until you achieve the desired consistency. For coarser crumbs, pulse less; for finer crumbs, pulse more.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the seasonings.
5. Spread the seasoned bread crumbs in a thin, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the bread crumbs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Once the bread crumbs are golden and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. Store the homemade bread crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.
Homemade bread crumbs are a game-changer in the kitchen, adding a crispy texture and a pop of flavor to your favorite dishes. Feel free to experiment with different bread types for unique flavors, such as using sourdough for a tangy twist or adding leftover rolls for a hint of sweetness. These versatile crumbs are a great way to breathe new life into stale bread and give your dishes that extra touch of homemade goodness. Remember, don’t throw away those leftover bread ends or slightly dried slices – turn them into a batch of delicious homemade bread crumbs that will take your cooking to the next level.
