When making recipes from scratch, you may discover how frequently breadcrumbs are used as a key ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. They are among the essential ingredients needed in many recipes because of how versatile they are.
Breadcrumbs in recipes are used for many purposes including used as a binder, filler, coating, topping, thickening agent, and more. However, running out of breadcrumbs doesn’t mean you have to miss out on making your favorite food. There are plenty of substitute options that taste just as good or reason better than breadcrumbs.
Today, I’m sharing a roundup of ingredients that you can use as substitutes for breadcrumbs whether you’re looking for something allergy-friendly, gluten-free, healthier or wondering if there’s something else you have in your pantry that can be used as a replacement.
What Can You Substitute For Bread Crumbs
Sometimes you run out of ingredients or you forget to pick it up with the other things on your list. If you’re in a pinch and looking for substitutes, you can use in place of breadcrumbs, then you’re in look I’ve pulled together a list of great ingredients you can use to thicken up your donut batter, as a binder for meatballs, toppings for casseroles, coating or however you’re thinking about using your breadcrumbs substitute.
Just keep in mind that some of these options are close dupes, others might bring a slight change to the flavor profile. Use your own discretion and enjoy.
Oatmeal
Depending on what you’re making, oatmeal could be a great substitute for breadcrumbs, especially if you’re looking for a filler. It’s an ingredient that many of us typically keep well stocked in the pantry that is plain enough in flavor to pair well in many dishes. Oatmeal can create the textured effect that traditional bread crumbs offer and it’s also a healthier alternative as well. For example, if you are making a homemade donut recipe or meatballs, oatmeal is plain enough and dry enough to help thicken up the recipe.
Crumbled crackers
Another easy bread crumb substitute you may already have in your pantry are crackers. Gather a bunch of crackers in a resealable bag and crumble them up into bread crumb-like bits. Crackers work great for dishes that use bread crumbs as a coating like with fried chicken or fish that needs to be battered.
Parmesan cheese
Similar to the crumbled crackers, parmesan cheese works as a solid bread crumb substitute for fried dishes or as a topping for casseroles. I like using finely grated or shredded parmesan as a breading on chicken. You’ll get the crunch and a salty, savory flavor that you would want from a crispy, crunchy dish.
Coconut flakes
Looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional breadcrumbs without the added carbs? Reach for coconut flakes! I like this option better for sweeter dishes although it works for batters as well. They’re also gluten free too! Just keep in mind that coconut flakes have a very distinct flavor that can influence the rest of the recipe so adjust accordingly.
Pretzels
If you don’t have bread crumbs in the pantry, a close comparative ingredient you can reach for are pretzels. I like pretzels as a breadcrumb substitute because the texture and flavor of all the options resemble breadcrumbs the most, especially if you’re using bread crumbs for absorbing moisture or as a binding ingredient for fritters or meatballs.
Quinoa
Did you know quinoa is also another great substitute for bread crumbs? It’s true. Not only is it a healthier alternative (has more protein and fiber than traditional bread crumbs), but when toasted and seasoned, it’s actually tastier filler too.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is one of those bread crumb substitutes that many people use not because they’re looking for an alternative, but because it’s actually a preferred pick over breadcrumbs for many dishes. The refined texture is a great selection to use as a binder or to add crunch.
Pork rinds
An unconventional substitute for bread crumbs that you may not have considered are pork rinds! Because of the fatty and flavor profile, this idea only works for the more savory dishes like a juicy meatball for example.
Gluten free bread
Sometimes the reason why you may be looking for a breadcrumb alternative is because you’re needing to find something that’s allergy-friendly or gluten free. If that’s the case, you can DIY your own breadcrumbs at home by toasting and crumbling it up in a food processor or blender with whatever bread you have in the pantry.
Cereal
Think about plain cereal like cheerios or corn flakes. If you have any within reach, crush them up in a food processor or blender and wallah. You’ve got an easy bread crumb substitute at hand.
Looking for other alternatives to traditional ingredients? Give some of these mayo substitutes or powdered sugar substitutes a try!
