When you need gluten-free breadcrumbs for a recipe or if you just have some leftover bread you need to use up, try this simple and easy recipe.
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If you like to make meatloaf, meatballs, or other breaded foods, you may have been wondering what to use in place of breadcrumbs if you follow a gluten-free diet.
Traditional breadcrumbs use bread that’s made from wheat flour, making it not safe for a gluten-free diet. If you’re gluten-free, then you’ll need to either buy store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs or make your own at home.
Making gluten-free breadcrumbs couldn’t be simpler, and it’s one of my go-to projects that I do any time I have any little bits of bread leftover from a loaf of bread that’s been hanging out a little too long in my kitchen.
Gluten-free bread isn’t cheap when you buy it at the store, so I like to make the most of it by using up each and every little scrap I have left in a loaf.
In this post, we’re going to talk about finding gluten-free breadcrumbs at the store and how to make your own using whatever gluten-free bread you have on hand.
What are the best store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs?
There are a few brands that offer gluten-free breadcrumbs that you can buy at the store or online. If you don’t have the time, patience, or energy to make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can look for some of these options at your local grocery store.
Schar Gluten-free breadcrumbs
These gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great option for a quick and easy way to stock your pantry. This package comes with 8.8 ounces, making it enough for at least one recipe of fried chicken, meatballs, or other breaded dish.
These gluten-free breadcrumbs are also lactose-free, but not dairy-free.
Ians
These panko breadcrumbs by Ians are a great option for a gluten-free recipe, and also if you have other allergies or intolerances, like eggs, nuts, soy, and milk, as they are free of those as well.
This package comes with 7 ounces of breadcrumbs and are pre-seasoned.
Read on: Is Panko Gluten-free?
Michelle Farms
These gluten-free breadcrumbs are another great choice for a store bought bread crumb option. Use these in your favorite meatball, meatloaf, or fried food recipes.
This package contains 9 ounces of breadcrumbs.
Are store bought breadcrumbs dairy-free?
Store bought breadcrumbs may or may not be dairy-free. This will depend on the ingredients in the gluten-free bread that is used to make the breadcrumbs. Dairy may also be added in the form of cheese in some store bought bread crumb mixes.
If it’s not clear on the packaging, look at the ingredients list for hidden sources of dairy.
From the list above, it is clear that the Ians brand is safe for a dairy-free diet. If you are concerned about dairy in your breadcrumbs, it is probably safest to make your own at home using a gluten and dairy-free bread that you know is good for your diet.
Read on: Does bread have dairy?
What can I use in place of breadcrumbs? What is a gluten-free substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you can’t find any gluten-free breadcrumbs locally and you don’t have any gluten-free bread on hand to make your own breadcrumbs, you still have options for your recipe. You don’t necessarily have to find a new recipe.
Some of these options may work in place of breadcrumbs, depending on the recipe you’re making:
- Gluten free old fashioned oats
- Almond flour
- Gluten-free crackers
- Crushed gluten-free pretzels
- Crushed rice cereal
Can I use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes, almond meal or almond flour works well as a substitute for breadcrumbs, as it absorbs moisture around it, it has a nutty flavor, and a similar texture to breadcrumbs.
How to make gluten free breadcrumbs
Prepare the baking sheet
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil by lining the sheet. Set aside.
Cut the gluten-free bread
Cut the sliced gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes and place on the prepared baking sheet. If you plan to add salt and seasonings, now is the time to sprinkle those on top.
Toast the bread
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 325 degrees F or until the bread is turning lightly golden brown. You can flip the bread cubes once during the cooking process to make sure all sides get toasty.
Allow to cool
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Turn cubes into crumbs
Working in batches as needed, transfer the toasted bread cubes to a food processor and process for about 30 seconds to one minute until you reach a course meal texture.
You can choose how fine your breadcrumbs are and adjust the blending time in the food processor as needed. More time will result in finer breadcrumbs.
Store the breadcrumbs
You can use these breadcrumbs immediately or store in an airtight container in your pantry for later use. You can also freeze these breadcrumbs by placing them in a food storage bag and into your freezer.
Use in your favorite recipes
Use these gluten-free breadcrumbs in your favorite recipes that call for breadcrumbs, like gluten-free meatballs, gluten-free meatloaf, breaded chicken, or sprinkled on top of a gluten-free casserole.
Try them on the cranberry rosemary stuffed pork loin in the gluten and dairy-free Thanksgiving roundup.
What kind of gluten-free bread should I use for breadcrumbs?
You should use any bread that you’d be willing to enjoy on its own. Good breadcrumbs always start with good bread. Use whatever brand or homemade bread that you’d usually eat to make your breadcrumbs.
I used Schar gluten-free artisan baker bread as it is gluten, dairy, and egg-free.
Do I need to use salt or seasonings in my gluten free breadcrumbs?
You can easily make these gluten-free breadcrumbs seasoned or plain, depending on your preference.
Some store bought breadcrumbs have salt and seasonings mixed in, while others you can buy plain. You get to choose whether or not you season yours or use them plain in the recipe. I’ve included a recipe for plain and Italian seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs below.
How do I make breadcrumbs without a food processor?
You can easily make breadcrumbs without a food processor by adding the toasted bread cubes to a plastic food storage bag after they have cooled. You’ll then use a rolling pin to crush the breadcrumbs, either by rolling them or pounding them inside the bag. You may need to work in batches to use up all the bread cubes.
How to store gluten-free breadcrumbs
These gluten-free breadcrumbs will store well in an airtight container in your pantry or fridge for up to a month. You can also store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Gluten-free Breadcrumbs
When you need gluten-free breadcrumbs for a recipe or if you just have some leftover bread you need to use up, try this simple and easy recipe.
Ingredients
Plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 5 slices gluten-free bread
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Italian gluten-free breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Cut the sliced gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes and place on the prepared baking sheet. If you plan to add salt and seasonings, now is the time to sprinkle those on top.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the bread is turning lightly golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a food processor and process for about 30 seconds to one minute, depending on how fine you want your breadcrumbs.
- You can use these breadcrumbs immediately or store in an airtight container in your pantry for later use. You can also freeze these by placing them in a food storage bag and into your freezer.
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If you’ve been looking for an easy and quick way to use up extra gluten-free bread or find a less expensive alternative to store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs, I hope this recipe is useful for you!
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