Homemade Bread Crumbs

5 from 1 vote

Sep 12, 2025, Updated Jan 20, 2026

These Homemade Bread Crumbs are crispy, flavourful, and incredibly easy to make. The bread gets pulsed into coarse crumbs, dried out until golden and crunchy, then blended with a savoury mix of herbs and spices. You end up with a versatile pantry staple that’s way more delicious than anything store-bought. Whether you’re coating chicken, sprinkling over casseroles, or mixing into meatballs, these seasoned Italian bread crumbs add just the right texture and depth to all kinds of dishes.

There’s something really satisfying about turning leftover bread into something you actually look forward to using. Once I started making my own, I realised how often I was reaching for them: tossing them into my Eggplant Meatballs, adding into pasta like my Tuscan Chicken Pasta, or breading Italian Chicken Cutlets for dinner. It’s one of those things that quietly works its way into your routine because it’s just super useful.

😍 Why You’ll Love These Italian Bread Crumbs

Flavour-packed: dried herbs and spices turn plain bread into crave-worthy Italian bread crumbs.
Waste-reducing: the perfect way to use up leftover or stale bread.
Easy to make: no baking required if you air-dry; just pulse, season, and store.
Customizable: adjust the seasoning or texture to suit your favourite dishes.
Meal-prep gold: store a batch and have them ready for weeks of cooking.

🍞 Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Homemade Bread Crumbs Recipe

White baguettes: the sturdy, crusty base for your bread crumbs; they’re perfect for toasting and blending into a golden, crisp texture.
Dried parsley: adds a mild, herby freshness that’s classic in Italian bread crumbs.
Dried basil: earthy and aromatic, it gives the crumbs that unmistakable Italian flair.
Dried oregano: a touch of bold, peppery flavour to round out the herb blend.
Garlic powder: infuses every bite with savoury depth and a subtle kick.
Onion powder: sweet and mellow, it complements the garlic and adds balance.
Paprika: brings a hint of smokiness.
Salt: enhances all the savoury spices and ties the flavour together.

A clear glass bowl filled with seasoned bread crumbs sits on a gray countertop. The light, crumbly texture and specks of herbs hint at a homemade bread crumbs recipe with flavorful chunks throughout.

✔ How to Make Bread Crumbs

To begin, break your baguette into smaller pieces, roughly 2 to 3 inches each. Add the chunks to a food processor and pulse several times until you get a coarse, chunky texture.

Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coarse bread crumbs out in an even layer. Let them air dry on the counter for 1 to 2 days until they’re completely dried out and crisp to the touch.

Once dry, return the crumbs to your food processor. Add the dried parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Pulse several times until the mixture reaches a fine, sand-like consistency, or keep it a little coarser if you like more texture.

That’s it! Transfer your bread crumbs to an airtight container or resealable bag and store at room temperature for up to 2 months.

🗒 Variations

Plain bread crumbs: skip the herbs and spices for an unseasoned version that works in sweet or savoury recipes.
Extra garlicky: use extra garlic powder for a bold, flavour perfect for pasta dishes.
Spicy kick: add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

🗒 Substitutions

Bread type: use sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread in place of white baguettes.
Herbs: swap dried parsley, basil, and oregano for Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

This bread crumbs recipe makes a generous batch, so you’ll have plenty to keep on hand for future meals. Store your bread crumbs in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavourful for up to 2 months.

🤔 FAQ’S

What kind of bread works best for bread crumbs?

Any leftover bread works, but sturdy bread like baguettes, sourdough, or Italian loaves create the best bread crumbs.

Can I make bread crumbs without a food processor?

Yes! Place dried bread in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.

How long do these bread crumbs last?

Stored in an airtight container, they keep at room temperature for about 2 months.

Can I use gluten-free bread to make bread crumbs?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works just as well.

What recipes use bread crumbs?

Bread crumbs are so versatile! Use them in meatballs, meatloaf, casseroles, or as a crispy coating for chicken, fish, or veggies.

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More?

If you loved this recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other baked goods you may also love:

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.

A hand with pale purple nail polish holds a spoon over a glass bowl filled with bread crumbs on a gray surface, perfect for your next homemade bread crumbs recipe.

5 from 1 vote