Bread Crumbs are every cook’s friend!

You’ll never throw out an old bread crust again once you’ve read our top ten ways to use bread crumbs.

You know the deal – you get to the end of the loaf and there are two crusts left.  It’s not quite enough for a Bread and Butter Pudding, so a few days later, you end up throwing them out.

Don’t throw out any leftover bits of bread or rolls. Take the advice of MoM members who shared their ideas for breadcrumbs on our Facebook page.

Making your own breadcrumbs is super simple and there are so many ways to use them in your cooking.

Make your own bread crumbs:

• Save all the crusts, half rolls, slightly stale bread to use to make your own bread crumbs. Store them in the freezer in a ziplock bag and then make a batch of bread crumbs when you need them
• Wholegrain is a healthier option so don’t be afraid to throw in any type of crusts or bread you have left
• If you have a food processor, whizz your crusts together for instant breadcrumbs
• Want to know how to make your own bread crumbs? You can read that here.

Storing your bread crumbs:

Breadcrumbs freeze perfectly and if well sealed and dry when frozen, are very easy to use small amounts at a time.

Once you’ve made your breadcrumbs, you can store them all in a tupperware container in the freezer or create smaller, meal-sized portions in ziplock bags.  Remember to date your containers or bags as you freeze them!

If you don’t like to freeze and prefer fresh, the same rules apply for breadcrumbs as any other bread.  Storing in the fridge will give you more mould free days and pantry storage will only give you a few days depending on the weather and moisture levels in your kitchen.

10 ways to use bread crumbs in your cooking:

There is an endless list of uses for bread crumbs – only limited by your imagination.  In addition to the delicious suggestions from our facebook mums below, think about double crumbing or leaving your breadcrumbs a little chunkier than usual – more texture for a taste and a visual difference.

1. Schnitzels and Kievs – forget store crumbed and DIY!  Consider double crumbing with wholegrain bread crumbs for extra crunch and fill factor
2. Once your babies are progressing with their solids and providing they have no wheat allergies, add a teaspoon or two of bread crumbs to their vegies. Great for adding a little bulk and some wholegrains (particularly good for really hungry babies)
3. Herbed Chicken Parmigana – throw in a handful of fresh herbs when making these bread crumbs for a flavour burst
4. Chicken or fish nuggets – use chicken tenderloins or an inexpensive fillet of white fish to make a fresh and healthy version of these kids’ favourites
5. Crumbed lamb chops, cutlets or sausages – isn’t it amazing what you can crumb with bread crumbs when you put your mind to it! Add some fresh mint and grated parmesan for extra flavour.
6. Use bread crumbs as a delicious topping for pasta, soups and salads
7. Create a crumbed fish sensation by adding a heap of lemon pepper and fresh chopped parsley to the bread crumbs
8. Bulk up salmon patties, burger patties or meatballs by adding a generous handful of bread crumbs to the mix – makes the meal stretch a little further
9. Add a handful of bread crumbs to an Orange Cake
10. Add a handful of bread crumbs to your Bruschetta mix (ripe tomatoes, basil, spanish onion, olive oil, salt & pepper). Or lightly toast really chunky bread crumbs and sprinkle over salads in lieu of hard croutons

Spice up your bread crumbs!

Have some fun with your bread crumbs – there’s no need to be boring.

You could:

• Add some chopped fresh or dried herbs
• throw in a lump of parmesan cheese when you’re processing the breadcrumbs
• if you’re a family of nut lovers throw in a handful of pinenuts or smoked almonds for a twist and
• if you have kids who’ll eat everything, add some chilli flakes, cayenne pepper or even Morrocan seasoning.

You really can have go anywhere with your breadcrumbs!

So there you have it, ten ways to use bread crumbs in your cooking!

Did we miss your favourite way to use bread crumbs in your cooking?  Do you have any you would like to add?  Let us know you’re reading by commenting below – we’d love to hear from you.