Breadcrumbs

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are incredibly easy to make at home and freeze beautifully, offering a wonderful staple for any gluten-free kitchen. You can use any gluten-free bread, eliminating the need to trim the crusts—who would want to waste that deliciousness?

Homemade breadcrumbs not only boast a richer flavour but also provide a more appealing texture compared to store-bought options. Simply bake your chosen gluten-free bread until it’s lovely and crisp, then break it into smaller pieces before processing it in a food processor to achieve your desired crumb size.

Why stop at plain? Get creative and transform your breadcrumbs into something special! Consider a zesty spicy breadcrumb mix or an aromatic Italian herb blend to elevate your dishes. These simple yet tasty modifications can add a fantastic kick to your meals, making your gluten-free cooking a playful adventure that your taste buds will thank you for!

Ingredients:

Bread

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160° Fan / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

Lightly grease or line several baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place the bread in a food processor and pulse until you achieve the desired breadcrumb size.

Spread the breadcrumbs in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Bake for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly toasted and dry.

Allow the breadcrumbs to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Enjoy your crunchy creation!

Additional Notes:

Prefer spicy or herby breadcrumbs? Add your favourite spices or herbs to the mix after baking for an extra kick. Homemade breadcrumbs are ideal because you can customise them exactly to your taste.

Made too many? No worries! Just pop them in the freezer for future use.

Homemade breadcrumbs are incredibly versatile! Here’s a list of creative ways to use them:

Breading: Use them to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables for a crispy texture when frying or baking.

Stuffing: Incorporate breadcrumbs in stuffing for vegetables, poultry, or holiday dishes. They add bulk and texture.

Meatballs or Meatloaf: Add breadcrumbs to meat mixtures to bind ingredients and keep them moist.

Thickener: Sprinkle breadcrumbs into soups or stews to thicken them without altering the flavour.

Casseroles: Top baked casseroles with a breadcrumb mixture for a crunchy finish. Mix with herbs and cheese for extra flavour.

Pasta Toppings: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over pasta dishes or casseroles before baking for added crunch.

Veggie Patties: Use breadcrumbs to bind ingredients in veggie burgers or patties for a delicious texture.

Salads: Add toasted breadcrumbs to salads for a unique crunch and to enhance nutritional content.

Homemade Croutons: Season and toast your breadcrumbs to create croutons for soups or salads.

Baked Goods: Incorporate breadcrumbs into muffin or pancake batters for added texture.

Pork or Chicken Schnitzel: Use seasoned breadcrumbs to create a classic schnitzel dish that’s crunchy and flavourful.

Stuffed Peppers: Mix with rice, veggies, and spices to create a scrumptious filling for stuffed peppers.

Experimenting with homemade breadcrumbs can lead to delightful dishes that elevate meals while reducing food waste. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!

Equipment Used:

Food Processor

Baking sheet

Airtight storage container