If you're looking for a versatile ingredient to keep in your pantry, look no further than breadcrumbs! Just 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (28 g) contains 100 calories, making it an easy and flavorful way to add texture and flavor to a variety of dishes.

But breadcrumbs aren't just about taste and texture. They also provide a range of nutritional benefits, including carbohydrates, fiber, and a small amount of protein. Depending on the type of breadcrumbs you use, they may also contain additional nutrients like iron and vitamin B-6.

In this article, we'll explore different ways to use breadcrumbs in your cooking, from making your own at home to using them in casseroles, pasta dishes, and more.

Breadcrumbs: The Basics

Before we dive into how to use breadcrumbs, let's start with the basics. Breadcrumbs are made from dried and ground bread, and can be made from any type of bread, from white to whole wheat to rye. To make breadcrumbs, simply tear or slice bread into small pieces and either let them dry out on their own or dry them in the oven or a dehydrator. Once the bread is completely dry, it can be ground into crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to six months, or in the freezer for up to a year.

How to Make Your Own Breadcrumbs

While store-bought breadcrumbs are convenient, making your own breadcrumbs is easy and can be more cost-effective. Plus, you can customize the flavor and texture to suit your preferences. To make your own breadcrumbs, start by selecting the type of bread you want to use. You can use leftover bread, stale bread, or fresh bread that you dry out yourself. Next, tear or slice the bread into small pieces and let it dry out completely. Once the bread is dry, simply pulse it in a food processor or crush it with a rolling pin until you reach your desired texture. Add any additional seasonings or herbs you like, such as garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary, and store in an airtight container in the pantry or freezer.

Breadcrumbs as a Binding Agent

Breadcrumbs are a popular ingredient in meatballs, meatloaf, and other dishes that require a binding agent to hold the ingredients together. When mixed with ground meat, breadcrumbs help to keep the mixture moist and tender while also preventing it from falling apart during cooking. To use breadcrumbs as a binding agent, start with fresh breadcrumbs and add them to your meat mixture according to your recipe's instructions. Be sure to use the correct amount of breadcrumbs as too much can make the mixture dry and crumbly.

Breadcrumbs as a Topping

Breadcrumbs are a popular topping for baked pasta dishes, casseroles, and more. They add a crunchy texture and can also help to hold the dish together. To use breadcrumbs as a topping, simply sprinkle them over your dish before baking. You can also mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil to create a more flavorful and cohesive topping.

Breadcrumbs in Meatballs or Meatloaf

Meatballs and meatloaf are classic dishes that often rely on breadcrumbs as a binding agent. But breadcrumbs also add flavor and moisture to the meat mixture, making for a more tender and delicious end result. To use breadcrumbs in your meatballs or meatloaf, start with fresh breadcrumbs that are moist but not too wet. Add them to the meat mixture along with any other ingredients called for in your recipe, such as eggs, herbs, or grated cheese.

Breadcrumbs in Stuffings or Dressings

Stuffings and dressings are popular side dishes for holiday meals, and breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in many traditional recipes. Breadcrumbs help to bind the ingredients together and add a crunchy texture. To use breadcrumbs in your stuffing or dressing, start with fresh breadcrumbs and mix them with your other ingredients, such as sautéed onions, celery, and herbs. Be sure to add enough liquid, such as broth or melted butter, to prevent the stuffing from drying out during cooking.

Breadcrumbs in Fried Foods

Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in many fried foods, from fried chicken to onion rings. The breadcrumbs provide a crispy coating that helps to keep the food inside moist and flavorful. To use breadcrumbs in your fried foods, start by setting up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip your food in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the food to ensure an even coating. Fry the food in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

Breadcrumbs in Casseroles

Breadcrumbs are a versatile ingredient in casseroles, providing texture and flavor to the dish. They can be used as a topping or mixed in with the other ingredients. To use breadcrumbs in a casserole, start by selecting a recipe that calls for them. Mix the breadcrumbs with any other ingredients called for in the recipe, such as cooked vegetables, pasta, or beans, and bake as directed. To use breadcrumbs as a topping, simply sprinkle them over the top of the casserole before baking.

Breadcrumbs in Pasta Dishes

Breadcrumbs can also be used in pasta dishes to add texture and flavor. They work well in baked pasta dishes as well as in pasta salads. To use breadcrumbs in a pasta dish, start by selecting a recipe that calls for them. Mix the breadcrumbs with any other ingredients called for in the recipe, such as cooked pasta, vegetables, or sauce, and bake as directed. To use breadcrumbs in a pasta salad, simply sprinkle them over the top before serving.

Breadcrumbs: Nutritional Facts

As we mentioned earlier, breadcrumbs provide a range of nutritional benefits, including carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein. Here's the nutritional breakdown for 1/4 cup (28 g) of breadcrumbs: - calories: 100 - Carbohydrates: 18 g - Fiber: 1 g - Protein: 3 g - Fat: 1 g - Iron: 1% of the Daily Value (DV) - Vitamin B-6: 5% of the DV