Are you looking for alternative substitutes for breadcrumbs in your dishes? Whether you want to avoid gluten, cut down on carbs or just try something new, there are plenty of options available.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 10 different substitutes for breadcrumbs, such as rolled oats, almond flour, crushed rice crackers and more, that you can easily get and use in your recipes.
What are breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs refer to a type of food ingredient made from bread, either fresh or toasted. The bread is typically ground or grated into small pieces and used as a coating or binding agent in recipes such as meatballs, burgers, casseroles, and stuffing. Breadcrumbs can add crunchiness and texture to a dish.
Most Important Criteria for the Selection of Breadcrumb Alternatives
When choosing a breadcrumb substitute, it’s important to consider several factors:
- The texture and flavor that the original ingredient provides.
- What outcome you expect from the recipe. For example, if you’re using breadcrumbs as a coating for fried foods, you need a substitute that can create a similar crispy texture when cooked.
- Other factors to consider include the nutritional value of the substitute, its availability and cost in your local area, as well as any potential allergy concerns.
The Best Substitutes for Breadcrumbs
Substitute 1: Rolled Oats
Rolled oats are an excellent replacement option if you’re looking for something gluten-free or low-carb. They have a similar texture and nutty flavor to breadcrumbs but contain more fiber and protein. Rolled oats work well in meatloaf or meatballs recipes where they can be mixed with other ingredients like eggs and seasoning before cooking.
For using oatmeal as a substitute:
- Pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Use them in place of breadcrumbs in your recipe.
Substitute 2: Almond Flour
Almond flour is a popular gluten-free substitute that is easy to find in most grocery stores. It has a nutty flavor and a texture similar to breadcrumbs, making it ideal for coating chicken or fish.
For example, you can use almond flour as follows:
- Mix it with some seasoning and herbs of your choice.
- Dip the chicken or fish in an egg wash and then coat it with the almond flour mixture.
- Bake or fry as you would with traditional breadcrumbs.
Substitute 3: Crushed Rice Crackers
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option that can provide crunchiness to your dish, crushed rice crackers are an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs. They are made from rice flour and come in various flavors such as plain, sesame, or seaweed.
Some ideas on how to used it:
- Crush the rice crackers into small pieces using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Use them as you would use breadcrumbs in your recipe.
Substitute 4: Panko Bread Crumbs
Panko bread crumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that have a lighter texture and larger flakes than traditional breadcrumbs.
They are often used in fried foods to create a crispy coating while keeping the inside moist.
Substitute 5: Cornflakes
Cornflakes can be an excellent breadcrumb replacement if you’re looking for something crunchy and flavorful. They work especially well with chicken or meatloaf recipes where they can add texture without overpowering the taste.
Here are some tips on how to use them:
- Crush them into small pieces using your hands or food processor.
- Use them as you would use regular breadcrumbs, adjusting the amount as needed.
Substitute 6: Crushed Nuts
Crushed nuts are a great way to add flavor and texture to your recipes while keeping them gluten-free. You can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Just crush them into small pieces using a food processor or rolling pin.
Substitute 7: Quinoa Flakes
Another gluten-free alternative are Quinoa flakes. They are high in protein and fiber and have a mild nutty flavor. Quinoa flakes work well in recipes that require binding agents like meatballs or burgers.
To use quinoa flakes as a substitute for breadcrumbs:
- Pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Use them in place of breadcrumbs in your recipe.
Substitute 8: Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is another gluten-free option that can be used as a breadcrumb substitute. It has a nutty flavor and works well in recipes where you need something to bind ingredients together like falafel or veggie burgers.
To use it:
- Mix chickpea flour with some seasoning and spices of your choice.
- Coat your ingredients before cooking.
Substitute 9: Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an unconventional but delicious breadcrumb substitute that can add creaminess and flavor to your recipes. They work especially well in meatloaf or stuffed pepper recipes where they can hold the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
This is how you can use it:
- Mix them with some eggs and seasoning of your choice until they form a paste-like consistency.
- Use the mashed potatoes mixture instead of breadcrumbs in your recipe.
Substitute 10: Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a vegan and gluten-free substitute that has a cheesy flavor and crumbly texture. It works well in recipes that require breadcrumbs like macaroni and cheese or gratins.
To use nutritional yeast as a substitute for breadcrumbs:
- Mix it with some olive oil or butter until it forms a paste.
- Use the mixture to coat your ingredients before baking.
Some Tips for using Breadcrumbs
If you want to make your own breadcrumbs, you can use any type of bread you like, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough. Simply toast the bread in the oven or toaster until it’s crispy and then grind it into small pieces using a food processor or rolling pin.
Breadcrumbs can also be substituted with ground flax seeds, coconut flour, or crushed crackers.
Tasty Recipe with Substitute
Baked Almond-crusted Salmon
Course: MainCuisine: American, Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes20
minutes40
minutesTry this almond-crusted salmon recipe using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This dish features fresh and juicy salmon fillets that are coated with a crunchy and nutty almond crust, providing a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Prepare to savor a mouth-watering and healthy meal with this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets
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1 cup almond flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix almond flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dip each salmon fillet in olive oil and then coat it in the almond flour mixture.
- Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
There are plenty of substitutes for breadcrumbs available that can add flavor and texture to your recipes while keeping them healthy and delicious. Whether you choose rolled oats, almond flour, crushed rice crackers or any other option mentioned above, remember to adjust the amount according to your recipe’s needs and experiment with different cooking methods until you find what works best for you. Happy cooking!
