5 Leftover Bread Recipe Ideas Using Breadcrumbs

Nothing compares to the joy a freshly baked loaf of bread can bring – it’s delectably crunchy crust encasing the pillowy softness within. But sometimes you don’t get through the whole loaf before it starts to lose its freshness. You’re left with a few lonely slices (usually the ends) and a collection of breadcrumbs. 

But before you throw it out, let’s explore what to do with leftover bread to give it new life. We’ll cover everything you need to know about using your leftover bread, including making breadcrumbs (one of the most versatile cooking ingredients), storing them so they last, as well as sharing delicious leftover bread recipes that you’ll love. Let’s get started!

The benefits of homemade breadcrumbs in cooking

When you need breadcrumbs you may be tempted to simply buy some from the shop, but there’s loads to love about making them yourself. Homemade breadcrumbs aren’t only quick and easy to make, they’re also fresher, delivering superior texture and depth of flavour. Not only that, they’ll save you money and waste, using something you’ve already got on hand. More importantly you know what’s in them, so you know they’re made from real ingredients. So how do you do it? Let’s take a look at how to make fresh breadcrumbs.

How to make breadcrumbs the easy way

The easiest way to make fresh breadcrumbs is to tear your leftover bread into chunks and pop them into a food processor with a metal blade. It’s best to only fill the food processor half-way to give the bread room to move, so you may need to do a couple of batches if you want to make a large amount of breadcrumbs. Then pulse until you reach your desired consistency. That’s all there is to it! If you prefer a crunchier texture for your breadcrumbs, you can dry your bread out first by placing it in the oven or a toaster before putting it in the food processor. 

How to make breadcrumbs without a food processor

No food processor? No problem! You can still make breadcrumbs without one. A blender will also work in a pinch as long as you stick to making small batches at a time, or you can make breadcrumbs by hand. If you’re taking the handmade route, just follow these simple steps:

• First you’ll need to thoroughly dry out your bread to make it easier to crumble. You can use a toaster for this, but an oven tends to do a better job at evenly drying the bread all the way through. 
• Cut the bread into slices or chunks, spread them out on a baking tray and pop in the oven until golden brown and crunchy. About 125 degrees should do the trick.
• Allow to cool, then put them into a sealable bag. 
• Gently crush your toasted bread with a rolling pin or similar until you have a bag full of breadcrumbs ready to use.

Making breadcrumbs that are full of extra goodness

When you’re making breadcrumbs, starting off with a high quality healthy loaf ensures that every delicious crumb is also packed with nutrients. There are loads of options to choose from, so start with what you’d like to add to your diet and work back from there. Looking for extra protein? Grab a loaf with protein and wholegrains for lasting energy. Need extra fibre and longer lasting energy? A Hi-Fibre Lo-GI bread ensures you get all the fibre you need, with all-day energy to boot.

For healthy additions made easy, breadcrumbs are a great way to add nutrition and flavour to your day.

When to use fresh breadcrumbs vs dried in a recipe

Fresh breadcrumbs are made without first toasting the bread before crumbing. Sometimes also called soft breadcrumbs, they still have a crumbly texture that is ideal in salads, for toppings on crumbles or baked dishes, or fillings like stuffing. Dry breadcrumbs have been toasted first, so have a fine crisp texture that lends itself well to breading fried foods. Think of recipes using bread that have a satisfying crunchy coating such as crumbed fish, Schnitzel, or vegetables.

Our top breadcrumbs recipe ideas

Ready to make something tasty with those breadcrumbs? Here are some of our favourite recipes using leftover bread that are as easy to make as they are delicious.

Lemon Pangrattato Pasta Recipe

This creamy, zesty pasta in our Lemon Pangrattato Pasta Recipe is elevated by the brightness of lemon, with the richness and depth of flavour of butter, garlic, ricotta and parmesan cheese. Complemented by the delicious crunch of breadcrumbs to top it all off makes this one of our favourite recipes with breadcrumbs.

Fish & Chips

Who can resist the combination of crispy Fish & Chips? Using homemade breadcrumbs will create the perfect, crunchy coating for your fish, making it even more special. Topped with lemon and tartare sauce and complemented by hand-cut oven baked chips, it’s a crowd favourite that will have you craving more.

Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs Recipe

Our Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs Recipe takes this cosy winter warmer to the next level by adding a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs made from leftover bread on top. The contrast of textures makes this comfort food even more satisfying, adding a twist that you’ll use again and again.

Oysters Rockefeller Recipe

Add some glamour to your dining experience with this seafood sensation – Oysters Rockefeller. Taste the ocean with fresh briny oysters, beautifully complemented by paprika spiced watercress in a white wine reduction. Garnished with a sprinkle of bacon and golden breadcrumbs, they’ll be a hit at your next dinner party.

Crumbed Chicken & Garden Salad

It’s hard to go past crumbed chicken as the winner when it comes to recipes with bread. And our Crumbed Chicken & Garden Salad dials up the yum factor with the warmth of turmeric and paprika, paired perfectly with a leafy garden salad drizzled in a mustard-y balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Try it today for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Can you freeze leftover breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover breadcrumbs, and it’s a fantastic way to keep them on hand for later use. Once you’ve made your breadcrumbs, put them in a resealable plastic bag and then into the freezer. Don’t forget to label them so you know what they are, and put the date too so you know how long they’ve been in the freezer. Breadcrumbs will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, which is plenty of time to cook up some tasty recipes! 

Should you toast breadcrumbs before freezing?

You don’t have to toast breadcrumbs before freezing, however fresh crumbs that have a bit of moisture still in them may be susceptible to forming ice crystals when frozen. If this happens then using them straight from the freezer may result in them being a little bit too soggy to make a crisp crumb. The way around this is to either spread them out on a baking tray overnight to thaw (and dry out) before using, or to toast breadcrumbs prior to freezing.

Leftover bread can be transformed into loads of delicious dishes, from crispy coatings to crunchy toppings. Making and storing your own b readcrumbs is simple and rewarding, ensuring you always have this versatile ingredient on hand. So next time you find yourself with leftover bread from your latest Bakers Delight loaf, get creative and try out these recipes!