6 Ingredients to Swap for Breadcrumbs, Because You Are Creative and Fabulous (2024)

If it's not a scientific fact that breading immediately improves any food, it should be. So don't let your mom's seasoned fine breadcrumb-baked chicken breast restrict your imagination. Experiment with these other breadcrumb substitutes next time you need some of that crispy goodness. But if you're cooking for your mom—well, that's your call.

These pork cutlets are made with a traditional three-step breading process that ends in panko. Photo: Aya Brackett

Aya Brackett

Panko

Nothing brings the crunch quite like panko, coarse Japanese breadcrumbs you can often find in the bread aisle. If you want a finer crumb without sacrificing the crispiness, just whirr them in a food processor before using. And don't think that cutlets run the game here—panko also makes an excellent coating for vegetables, like roasted cauliflower. Season it with salt and pepper before using, because while crispy, it's also quite bland.

Cereal

Cornflakes are classic breading material, but any grain-based, not-too-sweet cereal works great as a stand-in for traditional breadcrumbs. Corn or rice Chex, Wheaties, and even savory granola and oat-based cereals would make a great crust for your chicken breast or fish filets.

Pretzels: Not just for snacking! Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Marcus Nilsson

Crushed Pretzels

Frankly, we'd eat a shoe if you coated it with salty crushed pretzels. Thankfully, it doesn't have to come to that. Best to go with straightforward rods or twists and avoid any wacky flavors like honey-mustard, delicious though they may be.

Nuts and Seeds

Blitz almonds, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, in the food processor, and you can use them as breading material. But be careful: These delicate nut flours burn quickly and at lower temperatures than grain-based flours. Mix them with AP flour or panko to ensure against bitter and burnt flavors.

6 Ingredients to Swap for Breadcrumbs, Because You Are Creative and Fabulous (2024)

FAQs

6 Ingredients to Swap for Breadcrumbs, Because You Are Creative and Fabulous? ›

Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Chop larger nuts finely in a food processor. Seeds like sesame are already small enough and can be used as is. Use a variety of nuts as a coating for chicken, fish, or pork; just pulse them finely so they will stick.

What is a good substitute for breadcrumbs in fish? ›

Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Chop larger nuts finely in a food processor. Seeds like sesame are already small enough and can be used as is. Use a variety of nuts as a coating for chicken, fish, or pork; just pulse them finely so they will stick.

What can you substitute for breadcrumbs that are gluten-free? ›

Almond flour (sometimes sold as almond meal) has a coarse texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great gluten-free substitute for bread crumbs. You can use it in meatball or meatloaf mixture, but we especially like using it to dredge meats like pork chops to create a crispy exterior.

What is a vegan substitute for breadcrumbs? ›

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are naturally gluten-free. They are a legume and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Their crumbly texture is perfect for making plant-based breadcrumbs.

How do you crumb without breadcrumbs? ›

There are several alternatives you can use, such as crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or even ground nuts like almonds or pecans. These alternatives can provide different flavors and textures to your breaded chicken.

Can I use flour instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Test Kitchen Tip: While there are many great substitutes to consider, you'll want to avoid using flour instead of breadcrumbs.

What is a good egg substitute for breading? ›

Breading. Many foods destined for frying require a layer of egg before breading. The typical three-step process is flour, eggs and then breadcrumbs. Instead of the egg, Moskowitz recommends a mix of cornstarch and water, which, when stirred together, forms a slurry.

Can I use Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Crushed-up Ritz crackers make a great substitute and add an extra burst of buttery flavor and moisture to your dish that regular breadcrumbs can't quite match.

What is a healthy alternative to breadcrumbs in chicken? ›

Riced cauliflower is a good low-carb, grain-free, nut-free, and gluten-free alternative to regular breadcrumbs. "It's perfect in making things like crusted chicken, fritters, chicken nuggets, and other fried dishes.

What is a low Fodmap substitute for breadcrumbs? ›

Instead of breadcrumbs, try corn flake crumbs or brown rice crumbs. Instead of wheat crackers, try rice crackers. Instead of pasta sauce (usually with garlic and onions), try FODY Marina. Instead of sugar snap peas, try green beans.

What is a good substitute for breadcrumbs in India? ›

Coconut flour is high in fibre and healthy fats, making it a nutritious substitute for breadcrumbs. It can be used to bread chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, and then bake or air fry them for a crispy and delicious meal.

Can I just use flour instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Test Kitchen Tip: While there are many great substitutes to consider, you'll want to avoid using flour instead of breadcrumbs.

How do you cut bread without crumbs? ›

THE HACK : Keep the loaf upside down and then cut it. You can moisten your knife a bit or apply butter for best results. It works! You can place a cooling rack, or an oven rack, across your kitchen sink.

What's the difference between bread crumbs and all purpose flour? ›

The biggest difference between the two flours to remember while baking, is that bread flour has a higher protein content which leads to more stability, form, and rise in the dough allowing it to lift and hold shape, whereas all-purpose flour has a lower protein content resulting in lighter, more crumbly breads.

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