How to Use Breadcrumbs

Co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 21, 2021 References

Whether you’ve made your own or bought them from a store, breadcrumbs can be used in a variety of ways. Crispy toppings, crunchy textures, and extra flavors are only some of the benefits of adding breadcrumbs to your next recipe. We’ve compiled some of the best ways you can make the most out of those crumbs and impress your friends and family members.

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:
Add some crunch to your pasta.

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Cheese may be standard, but it can get a little old. Use a sprinkling of bread crumbs to add texture to a vegetable-based dish, like orecchiette, or a linguine.^{[1]
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Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}^{[2]
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- If you want to give your dish a little extra kick, mix your breadcrumbs with garlic, lemon zest, and chopped herbs.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 10:
Try breadcrumbs instead of croutons.

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Salad could always use a little pick-me-up.^{[3]
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Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} When your salad is finished and you’re just about to serve it, toss in a handful of breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture in each bite.^{[4]
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- Breadcrumbs are easier to eat than croutons since they’re smaller.
- Save the breadcrumbs until the very last second so they don’t get soggy before you can eat them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 10:
Thicken a watery soup.

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If you accidentally added too much liquid, breadcrumbs can help. Stir them in little by little and watch them dissolve until your soup is as thick as you’d like it to be.^{[5]
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- This trick works well for hearty soups, like potato, chicken noodle, and broccoli.
- If your soup is a bit runnier, you can add breadcrumbs in to give it a nice texture.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 10:
Use breadcrumbs to liven up roasted vegetables.

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Cooked broccoli can be a little drab on your plate. Sprinkle a breadcrumb and cheese mixture over your veggies just before you serve them for some extra flavor.^{[6]
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- You can use breadcrumbs on broccoli, peppers, asparagus, carrots, and even potatoes.

Method 5

Method 5 of 10:
Sprinkle on mac and cheese for a nice texture.

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Homemade mac and cheese can only get better with breadcrumbs.^{[7]
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Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Add a thin layer on top before you pop your mac and cheese in the oven for a nice crispy top.^{[8]
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- For even more flavor, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter before you add them to your dish.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 10:
Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs for an easy meal.

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The breadcrumbs will keep your chicken moist and tender as it cooks. Mix 2 egg whites, 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of cornstarch, and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into your liquid mixture, then dunk it into your breadcrumbs.^{[9]
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- Once your chicken breasts are coated, you can fry them in a pan with olive oil or bake them in the oven until they’re crispy.
- To make your chicken even tastier, mix in a bit of Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.

Method 7

Method 7 of 10:
Add a crispy layer to seafood.

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Crab cakes, oysters, and fish could all use a little texture. Dip your food into an egg wash, then gently coat it in breadcrumbs before frying or baking it.^{[10]
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- If you’d like a little extra flavor, add in some Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumbs.
- Or, chop up some fresh herbs and garlic and add it to your breadcrumbs.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 10:
Substitute fresh bread with breadcrumbs in your meatballs.

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While fresh bread is ideal, sometimes breadcrumbs are all you have. To make your breadcrumbs a little softer, soak them in milk before mixing them in with your meat and other ingredients.^{[11]
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- Try adding lemongrass, shallots, jalapeno, ginger, or fish sauce for a little extra flavor in your meatballs.

Method 9

Method 9 of 10:
Give your roasted chicken a new texture.

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Plain chicken could always use a little extra flavor. Mix together butter, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then spread your mixture underneath the chicken skin before you roast it.^{[12]
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- Use any leftover butter you have to moisten the skin on the outside of the bird.
- Thyme, lemon zest, and rosemary are all great choices for this recipe.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 10:
Bind veggie burgers or crab cakes together.

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The dry breadcrumbs can make your mixture a little more sticky. Use a light hand to gradually add breadcrumbs until your mix is easy to handle and shape.^{[13]
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- This works well for black bean burgers, salmon cakes, vegan burgers, and chickpea cakes.
- Too many breadcrumbs can make your mixture too dry, so go slowly at first.