How to Make Fresh Breadcrumbs

When a recipe calls for fresh breadcrumbs, don't be tempted to use those powdery dry breadcrumbs sold in a can. You can make fresh breadcrumbs quickly and easily in a food processor (standard or mini) or in a coffee or spice grinder with whatever bread you have on hand (it doesn't have to be fancy; English muffins and pita bread make great breadcrumbs).

You'll get the best results if your bread is slightly stale; very fresh bread can turn gummy in the machine. If it isn't stale, put the slices of bread in a warm (100°C) oven until slightly crusty. Rip the slices into pieces (remove the crusts first if your bread is very dense) and fill your processor or grinder about halfway full; any more can jam up the blades. Pulse until you get the size crumb you like.

Make more than you need and store the crumbs in zip-top bags in the freezer; thaw them thoroughly before using. In a pinch, if you don't have a machine, rub slices or chunks of stale bread on a box grater. To see how to make fresh Breadcrumbs in more details, see listing in recipe section of the site.

To make toasted or dried Fresh breadcrumbs, follow instructions above first then spread the breadcrumbs out in a single layer on a baking tray and bake for 5-10 minutes till the desired degree of toasting and browning is achieved. Store the same as fresh breadcrumbs.