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How To Make Bread Crumbs

How To Make Bread Crumbs - Gourmet And Food

So, what exactly are bread crumbs? At their core, they're simple – just small pieces of dried bread. But in the culinary world, they open doors to new flavors and textures. They serve as a coating for fried foods, a topping for casseroles, and even a binder in meatballs. 
Homemade bread crumbs are far superior to store-bought options. They hold more freshness, taste more flavorful, and can be tailored to your liking. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Vegan Parmesan alternative
  • 1 teaspoon toasted pine nuts
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
  • Pinch of crushed red chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence
  • 4 ounces dried sourdough bread, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
  • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

Method
 

  1. Now for the fun part! Making bread crumbs is straightforward. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. Make sure you have everything in front of you. It's like preparing for a race; you want to be ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
  1. If your sourdough is fresh, let it sit out for a bit until it’s dried out. I like to leave it overnight. If you’re short on time, cut the bread into small pieces and pop it into a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until it’s dry and lightly toasted. Don’t let it get brown!
Step 3: Blend the Bread into Crumbs
  1. Once dried, place the bread in a food processor. Pulse it until you achieve your desired crumb size. I prefer a mix of fine and chunky crumbs because it offers a nice texture.
  2. If you don't have a food processor, you can place the bread in a zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin. I’ve done it, and it works just fine!
Step 4: Mix in the Remaining Ingredients
  1. Add your olive oil, cheese, garlic powder, lemon peel, chili flakes, and herbes de Provence into the mix. Pulse again until everything is well combined. Give it a taste, adjust seasonings if necessary, and you’re good to go!
Step 5: Store or Use Immediately
  1. You can use these bread crumbs right away or store them for later. If you’re storing them, consider putting them in an airtight container. Put them in the fridge (they will last about a week) or freeze them (they can last for months!).

Notes

  1. Experiment with Bread Types: White bread, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread work great. Each type brings its unique flavor to the crumbs.
  2. Add Herbs: Customize by including your favorite herbs or spices. Try Italian seasoning for an Italian twist or chili powder for some smoke.
  3. Oil Alternatives: If you prefer, replace olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
  4. Toasting Before Processing: A little toasting before blending can enhance depth of flavor.
Fresh vs. Dried Bread: If all you have is fresh bread, go ahead and toast it. Dried bread yields the best texture, but fresh can work in a pinch.