How to Make Breadcrumbs in the Oven

Coarse crumbs give crab cakes enough body to hold together during frying.

Making your own breadcrumbs in the oven gives you control over their texture, color and seasoning. The bread used should have a dense crumb and a substantial texture, such as that of rustic Italian bread, to hold up during the breading process. Seasoning the breadcrumbs permits you to incorporate spices that supplement the item you will bread. For instance, adding fresh basil, grated Parmesan, oregano and Italian parsley to the breadcrumbs used for veal Parmesan elevates the entire preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Regular:
• 1/4 lb. bread, preferably dense
• Sheet pan
• Food processor
• Seasoned:
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Seasoning of choice
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Regular

1. Heat the oven to 250 F.

2. Slice the bread into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them on a sheet pan in an even layer. If using sliced bread, arrange the slices on the sheet pan.

3. Place the sheet pan in the oven.

4. Bake the bread until dry but not browned, approximately 15 minutes. Turn the bread over halfway through cooking.

5. Remove the bread from the oven. Break each piece in half and add it to the bowl of the food processor. Pulse the bread until coarse, approximately 4 or 5 seconds, or until desired texture is reached.

Seasoned

1. Pour 1 cup of bread crumbs in a mixing bowl.

2. Chop the fresh herbs of your choice and add them to the mixing bowl. Select herbs that complement the preparation you will use them for.

3. Mix in 1 tsp. of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp. of freshly ground black pepper with the breadcrumbs.

Tips & Warnings

• Store breadcrumbs up to one week in an airtight food-storage container for best results.

• Place a folded paper towel in the food-storage container with the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.

References

• What's Cooking America: How to Make Breadcrumbs