I still remember the day I ran out of bread crumbs while preparing chicken parmesan for unexpected dinner guests. In a moment of desperation, I spotted the half loaf of slightly stale bread sitting on my counter. What started as a kitchen emergency turned into one of my most valuable cooking discoveries. The homemade breadcrumbs I created that evening weren’t just a suitable substitute; they were far superior to anything I’d ever purchased. My guests couldn’t stop raving about the exceptional flavor of the chicken’s coating, and I’ve never bought pre-packaged bread crumbs since that fortuitous day.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Bread Crumbs Are Superior
- Recipe Enhancer – This simple recipe elevates everything from meatballs to casserole toppings.
- No Preservatives – Store-bought breadcrumbs often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients to extend their shelf life.
- Complete Control – When you make your own, you control every aspect of the process.
- Superior Flavor – The flavor is noticeably fresher, with vibrant herb notes that commercial versions simply can’t match.
- Economical Choice – Homemade bread crumbs are incredibly economical, transforming bread that might otherwise go to waste into a versatile kitchen staple.
- Customizable Texture – The texture can be customized to your preference, whether you want fine crumbs for a delicate coating or coarser ones for more crunch.
Breadcrumb Varieties Explained
Understanding the different types of bread crumbs can help you choose the right one for your specific recipe:
Traditional vs. Panko
- Traditional bread crumbs are fine in texture and compact when used as a coating.
- Panko bread crumbs are larger, flakier pieces that create an airier, crispier coating because they trap more air between the crumbs.
Fresh vs. Toasted
- Fresh bread crumbs (untoasted) work best as a binder for meatballs or fish cakes but aren’t sturdy enough for breading.
- Toasted bread crumbs develop strength and crunch, making them ideal for coating foods that will be fried or baked.
To Toast Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs:
- Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- When the oil is hot, pour in the seasoned bread crumbs.
- Use a wooden spatula to coat the crumbs with the oil.
- Continue to stir continuously until the bread crumbs develop a light golden color.
- Remove the bread crumbs from the heat and cool on a rimmed baking sheet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread Slices – Forms the foundation of your bread crumbs, providing texture and substance.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the herbs.
- Italian Seasoning – Contributes the signature herb blend that defines Italian-style bread crumbs.
- Onion Powder – Adds a subtle savory note that rounds out the flavor (optional).
- Garlic Powder – Provides depth and aromatic complexity to the seasoning blend (optional).
Best Breads to Use
While this recipe is called “Italian” bread crumbs, you don’t need Italian bread specifically. Almost any plain white bread works beautifully:
- Sandwich bread
- Hamburger or hot dog buns
- French bread
- Leftover dinner rolls
Avoid using:
- Heavily flavored artisan breads that might compete with your seasoning
- Sweet breads like brioche
- Breads with a high crust-to-crumb ratio like baguettes
- Any bread containing nuts or seeds
How to Make Italian Bread Crumbs
In just a few minutes, you will have some wonderfully seasoned bread crumbs.
- If your house has low humidity, just dry bread slices.
- If your house is humid, heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Turn the bread slices over and bake them for 5 to 7 minutes, until the bread is dried.
- Crumble dried bread into a bowl and add salt.
- Rub the Italian seasoning between your hands to release the aromatic oils then place the seasoning into the bowl.
- Add onion powder and garlic powder if desired.
- Stir to combine the crumbs and seasonings.
- Store in an airtight container.
Use the seasoned bread crumbs for meatloaf, breading chicken or pork, and sprinkling on pasta or salads.
Homemade Italian Seasoning Makes Breadcrumbs Flavorful
Many people buy Italian seasoning in the grocery store, and it is a ubiquitous spice blend. If you do not have the spice blend of Italian seasoning on hand, you can use the following mix to create your Italian seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- dash of ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Tips for Making and Storing Italian Breadcrumbs
- Store bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to two months.
- Feel free to modify the bread crumb seasons based on what you like or have on hand. A few excellent additions are grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano and parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, and fresh ground black pepper.
Homemade Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Ingredients
- 8 slices white bread
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional and not pictured in video)
Instructions
- Place 8 slices of bread on a half sheet cookie sheet.
- If your house is dry, allow the bread to dry out.
- If your house is humid, place the bread into a 200-degree oven until the bread has dried out, and then flip the bread over and allow the bread to dry out on the other side. About 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
- Crumble bread into a bowl and add salt.
- Rub the Italian seasoning between your hands to release the aromatic oils and then place those into the bowl.
- Add onion powder and garlic powder if desired.
- Stir to combine bread crumbs and seasonings.
- Store in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
- Short-term storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Long-term storage: Freeze bread crumbs in a freezer-safe bag with the air pressed out for up to two months.
- Freshness check: If breadcrumbs develop an off smell or show signs of moisture, discard them and make a fresh batch.
Check Out These Recipes For or With Bread Crumbs
- Air Fryer Avocado Fries
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Homemade Panko Breadcrumbs
- Regular Bread Crumbs
- Shrimp Tempura
Popular DIY Recipes
- Crostini Bread
- Homemade Bisquick
- Homemade Croutons
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Shake and Bake
- How to Make Italian Sausage
- How to Make Vanilla Sugar
- Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
- Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix
Check out more of my easy bread recipes and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!
Not everyone can or will use store-bought standard leaves, and those folks need to know what 8 slices amounts to in ounces or grams.
Suggestion: if using the food processor with grating blade, don’t fully dry or toast the bread; just leave it out to stale for a day. That way the processor will tear the bread apart. If fully stale, the bread will be shattered, resulting in much bread “dust.”
Love this!!! I recently started making our bread, and will now be using this recipe to make my own Italian seasoned bread crumbs! I used a little more italian seasoning, 1 1/2 – 2 tsp, even forgot the salt, but this was spot on! Thank you!!!
Really? A Itialian Bread Crumb recipe that just lists Italian Seasoning? That’s what I came to the recipe for: What herbs are in Italian Seasonings?
Italian seasoning is a very common herb blend sold in stores.
Andrew, there are many different recipes for Italian seasoning that use general, but somewhat different herbs. To use this recipe, either buy an Italian seasoning blend already put together, or look for an Italian seasoning recipe that suits your taste ~ might have to try a few to find what you like. Cheers! :o)
Great recipe!!
Can we do thiswith leftover garlic bread?
I would use leftover garlic bread to make croutons!
After I make and season the crumbs how long of a shelf life does it have. Can I keep it in an airtight container on a shelf in my pantry or does it need to be in the fridge?
I don’t know what the exact shelf life of these are, I think they would be good for 4 to 6 weeks, beyond that I would consider storing these in the freezer, or try to use an air tight container.
Just came across this recipe and pinned it for future use. Everytime I buy Italian Seasoned bread crumbs, they go stale before I use the whole package. This is a great idea that I will definitely use. Thanks much! 🙂
I am glad I could help. There are a lot of things like this we can quickly make at home. Money goes much better in my pocket than someone else’s.
How long can I leave bread out to dry slowly? Or does it have to go in the oven?
I like to use my food processor to crumb with seasonings. I also store old bread in freezer until ready to use for breadcrumbs, casseroles, French toast, bread puddings, etc. great way to save.
Great idea on saving money.
Fresh bread crumbs can be quickly made in your blender and then dried.
I really appreciate your suggestion. I will give it a try.