Gluten Free Breadcrumbs

Looking for a gluten-free twist to elevate your Thanksgiving stuffing, meatloaf, or other hearty recipes? Look no further! Making gluten-free breadcrumbs from store-bought bread at home is not only easy but also a fantastic way to utilize those old loaves sitting on your counter or tucked away in the freezer.

Jump to:

• Let’s Explore Gluten Free Bread Crumbs For A Bit
• Creative Dinner Ideas With Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
• Creative Side Dish Ideas With Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
• Making Gluten Free Breadcrumbs
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Why Homemade Gluten Free Bread Crumbs Are Satisfying
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storing Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
• Top tip
• Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
• Food safety

Let’s Explore Gluten Free Bread Crumbs For A Bit

Not all gluten free bread crumbs are the same or act the same in a recipe. Three types include traditional, panko, and bread loaf bread crumbs. While all three types of breadcrumbs serve similar purposes in cooking, they differ in texture and origin. Traditional breadcrumbs are finely ground and versatile, Panko breadcrumbs are light and crispy, and bread loaf breadcrumbs can vary in texture depending on how they are prepared.

Types of Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

• **Traditional Gluten Free Bread Crumbs**: Traditional gluten free bread crumbs are made by finely grinding or processing dried bread into small granules. They can be made from various types of bread, including white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread. Traditional breadcrumbs have a finer texture compared to Panko breadcrumbs and are commonly used as a coating for fried foods, as a binder in meatloaf or meatballs, or as a topping for casseroles.
• **Panko Gluten Free Bread Crumbs**: Gluten Free Panko bread crumbs originated in Japan and are made from crustless bread that is processed into large, flaky crumbs. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs are not finely ground, which gives them a lighter and crispier texture when fried or baked. Panko breadcrumbs are often used in recipes that require a crunchy coating, such as fried chicken, fish, or vegetables. They can also be used as a topping for dishes like macaroni and cheese or gratins to add a crispy finish.
• **Bread Loaf Gluten Free Bread Crumbs**: Bread loaf gluten free bread crumbs refer to homemade breadcrumbs made from leftover slices of bread, typically from a loaf of bread. These breadcrumbs can vary in texture depending on how they are prepared. For example, if the bread slices are toasted and then finely ground, the resulting breadcrumbs will be similar to traditional breadcrumbs. However, if the bread slices are dried without toasting and then processed into crumbs, they may have a coarser texture similar to Panko breadcrumbs. Bread loaf breadcrumbs are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, just like traditional breadcrumbs.

Why Do You Need To Use Gluten Free Bread Crumbs? What Do They Do?

Someone might need to use gluten free bread crumbs in order to accommodate an allergy or simply for a preference! Breadcrumbs in general are used as a way to thicken, add texture, or top a recipe!

Creative Dinner Ideas With Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

• **Meatloaf or Meatballs**: Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in meatloaf and meatball recipes, helping to bind the ingredients together and keep them moist and tender. Swap out traditional gluten free bread crumbs for homemade bread loaf breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Mix them with ground meat, eggs, herbs, and spices, then bake or pan-fry until golden brown and delicious.
• **Crispy Coating for Chicken or Fish**: Only choose to do this if your gluten free bread crumbs have become very dry and crumble pretty small. But you can do that easily in the food processor! Give your favorite chicken or fish recipes a crunchy upgrade by using bread loaf breadcrumbs as a coating. Dip the protein in beaten eggs, then coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs before frying or baking until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Creative Side Dish Ideas With Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

• **Topping for Macaroni and Cheese**: Take your homemade macaroni and cheese to the next level by adding a crispy gluten free bread crumb topping. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and grated cheese, then sprinkle it over the top of your mac and cheese before baking. The result? A golden brown crust that adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
• **Vegetable Casseroles**: Bread loaf breadcrumbs are a delicious addition to vegetable casseroles like broccoli casserole or green bean casserole. Mix them with melted butter, herbs, and grated cheese, then sprinkle them over the top of your casserole before baking. The breadcrumbs will toast up beautifully in the oven, adding a flavorful crunch to the dish.
• **Homemade Stuffing**: Bread loaf gluten free bread crumbs are perfect for making homemade stuffing or dressing. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or simply craving a comforting side dish, breadcrumbs add texture and flavor to your stuffing recipe. Mix them with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and broth for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Don’t let those homemade bread loaf breadcrumbs go to waste! Get creative in the kitchen and use them to add flavor and texture to your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making stuffing, meatloaf, crispy chicken, or vegetable casseroles, breadcrumbs are sure to take your dishes to the next level.

Croutons Are Another Creative Way To Use Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

Did you realize you can make gluten free croutons at home? Even though this post is simply about gluten free bread crumbs, let’s hit on how to make some croutons with those gluten free bread crumbs! Using gluten-Free breadcrumbs made from a loaf of bread to create gluten-free croutons is a simple and delicious way to add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. Here’s how to make gluten-free croutons:

IF YOU ARE MAKING CROUTONS WITH GLUTEN FREE BREADCRUMBS

• **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re prepared to bake the croutons.
• **Prepare the Breadcrumbs**: If you haven’t already made the gluten-free breadcrumbs, start by making them from a loaf of gluten-free bread. Simply process the bread slices in a food processor or blender until they reach your desired consistency. You can season the breadcrumbs with herbs, spices, or grated cheese for extra flavor if desired.
• **Season the Croutons**: In a mixing bowl, toss the gluten-free breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter to coat them evenly. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to season the croutons to your taste preferences.
• **Bake the Croutons**: Spread the seasoned breadcrumbs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re evenly distributed to ensure they bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
• **Cool and Store**: Once the croutons are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up further as they cool. Once cooled, transfer the gluten-free croutons to an airtight container for storage.
• **Enjoy**: Use your homemade gluten-free croutons to top salads, soups, or even enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own. They add a delightful texture and flavor boost to any dish!

Making Gluten Free Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

You only need one ingredient for these gluten free breadcrumbs.

• 6 slices of Canyon 7-Grain bread, or other gluten free bread.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Hint: don’t put parchment paper on the sheet pan. The bread slices may become too moist. Also note that the food processor is a big helper!

Now that you have your gluten-free breadcrumbs ready, you can use them in various recipes, especially those calling for a denser texture like Thanksgiving stuffing, meatloaf, or even as a crispy topping for casseroles. Get creative and enjoy the delicious results!

Why Homemade Gluten Free Bread Crumbs Are Satisfying

Making gluten free bread crumbs at home is such a wise alternative to purchasing, as long as you have bread in the house! So often we run out and get what we can easily make at home which is always the better alternative. We know exactly how it is being made and we can usually use up something we already have. I don’t know about you but making homemade gluten free bread crumbs gives me that satisfaction!

Substitutions

Try homemade, gluten free bread if you prefer!

Variations

Making gluten free breadcrumb varieties is a great way to add texture and flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions. Here’s how to make a few different types of gluten-free breadcrumbs:

• **Italian-Style Gluten Free Breadcrumbs**:
  • Follow the same steps as for basic gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the base.
  • Add dried herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs to create an Italian-style seasoning blend. Common herbs and spices to include are dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  • Pulse the breadcrumbs in the food processor or blender to evenly distribute the italian seasonings.
• **Spicy Gluten Free Bread Crumbs**:
  • Begin with the basic gluten-free breadcrumb recipe.
  • Add some heat by incorporating spicy seasonings. These include paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs. Adjust the amount of spice to your taste preferences.
  • Pulse the breadcrumbs in the food processor or blender to evenly distribute the spicy seasonings.

Equipment

You may want to check out a non-toxic sheet pan like the sheet pan from Caraway.

Storing Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

Storing gluten-free breadcrumbs made from a loaf of bread is simple and ensures they remain fresh for future use. Here’s how to store them properly:

**Cool Completely**: Allow the gluten-free breadcrumbs to cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to soggy breadcrumbs.

**Airtight Container**: Transfer the cooled breadcrumbs to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag works well for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the breadcrumbs.

**Label and Date**: To easily identify the contents and keep track of freshness, label the container with the date of preparation and the type of breadcrumbs (gluten-free). This is especially helpful if you have multiple containers of breadcrumbs in your pantry.

**Store in a Cool, Dry Place**: Place the airtight container of gluten-free breadcrumbs in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near heat sources or in areas with high humidity, as moisture can cause the breadcrumbs to become stale or clump together.

**Freezer Storage (Optional)**: If you don’t plan to use the breadcrumbs within a few weeks, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the freezer. Simply transfer the airtight container to the freezer, where the breadcrumbs will stay fresh for several months. Frozen breadcrumbs can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your gluten-free breadcrumbs made from a loaf of bread stay fresh and ready to use whenever you need them. Whether you’re coating chicken, thickening soups, or topping casseroles, having homemade breadcrumbs on hand adds convenience and flavor to your gluten-free cooking.

Food safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.