How to Make Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs

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.

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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:

1. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
2. When the oil is hot, pour in the seasoned bread crumbs.
3. Use a wooden spatula to coat the crumbs with the oil.
4. Continue to stir continuously until the bread crumbs develop a light golden color.
5. 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.

1. If your house has low humidity, just dry bread slices.
2. If your house is humid, heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Place bread slices on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 200°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Turn the bread slices over and bake them for 5 to 7 minutes, until the bread is dried.
6. Crumble dried bread into a bowl and add salt.
7. Rub the Italian seasoning between your hands to release the aromatic oils then place the seasoning into the bowl.
8. Add onion powder and garlic powder if desired.
9. Stir to combine the crumbs and seasonings.
10. 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.

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

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Check out more of my easy bread recipes and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!

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