Breadcrumbs are basically ground-up bread that you can easily make at home using any bread you’ve got lying around. They’re great for coating foods, making casseroles crispy, and more. While most people use a food processor to make breadcrumbs, you don’t actually need one. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make breadcrumbs using common kitchen tools you likely already own.
What Type of Bread Should You Use?
You can use various tools like graters, rolling pins, blenders, and knives to make fresh bread crumbs:
Method 1: Grater
Grate the toasted bread with a box grater or a cheese grater over a large bowl. Use the side with the medium-sized holes. Be careful with your fingers as you get closer to the end of the bread piece. Once you’ve grated all the bread, store the fresh breadcrumbs in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.
Method 2: Rolling Pin
Tear the bread into small pieces and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to crush the bread into fine crumbs. You can also use the bottom of a heavy pan if you don’t have a rolling pin. Keep rolling and crushing until you get the consistency you want. Transfer everything to an airtight container.
Method 3: Blender
Tear the bread into small bread cubes and place them in the blender. Use the pulse function on your blender to break down the bread. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can turn your homemade bread crumbs into bread dust. For even-sized fresh crumbs, sift the breadcrumbs through a strainer. Any larger pieces can be put back into the blender for another round of pulsing.
Method 4: Mortar and Pestle
Tear the dry bread into smaller pieces and place them in the mortar. Use the pestle to crush the bread into fine crumbs. This method may take a bit more effort but works well for small batches. Transfer the breadcrumbs to an airtight container.
How to Store Fresh Bread Crumbs
Before storing, make sure your breadcrumbs are completely dry by airing them on a baking tray or baking sheet. Any leftover moisture can cause them to become moldy or stale quickly. Once they’re dry, transfer them to an airtight container like a mason jar, a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, or a resealable plastic bag.
If you plan to use the dried bread crumbs within a week or two, you can store them in the pantry at room temperature. Store the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing them. In the refrigerator, breadcrumbs can last for about a month. In the freezer, they can last up to six months. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing them. In the fridge, breadcrumbs stay good for about a month. In the freezer, they can last up to six months. Just make sure they’re well sealed to avoid freezer burn.
Summary
Making homemade breadcrumbs without a food processor is easy. Just pick the right bread, prepare it well, and store it right for great results.
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