How To Make Homemade Bread Crumbs

Making your own homemade bread crumbs is easier than you think! It's a great way to use up left-over slices of bread, bread crusts, hamburger and hot dog rolls, potato rolls, crackers and even thin small pretzels.

Supplies Needed:

Food Dehydrator (I use one made by Ronco (tm) that has 7 trays)
Blender or Food Processor
Large Bowl (I use a 32 cup bowl)
2 Large Gallon Size Freezer Bags
1 Large Air Tight Container with Seal

Bread Products Needed:

Bread, Rolls, Crackers, Pretzels

Spices Needed:

Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Dill, Season Salt, Black Pepper, Chopped Dried Green Onion, Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder

Pre-Preparation:

The first thing that you will need to do is get two large one gallon zipper close bags or recycle a few of your bread bags. (I don't normally recommend re-using bread bags, but in this case, they will work just fine).

During the next few weeks or months, as you have left-over bread and rolls, place them into the freezer bags and freeze them. Once you have saved up 2 full bags of bread products, you will be ready to make your homemade bread crumbs.

Preparation:

Remove your frozen bread bags from your freezer two hours before you are ready to begin so that they can thaw out to room temperature.

Set up your food dehydrator. Place your bread slices onto the food dehydrator trays. If you are using rolls, separate the tops from the bottoms and place them down onto the tray. If they are too big, feel free to rip them into smaller pieces. Place the lid back onto the food dehydrator unit and set the temperature on low. It will take 6-8 hours for your bread products to completely dry out.

*note* The best time to do this is in the evening, then when you get up in the morning, they will be ready to be made into bread crumbs.

After 6-8 hours, you are now ready to begin making your bread crumbs. Turn off your food dehydrator and remove the trays. You can use either a blender or a food processor for the next step. (I find that a food processor works best).

Break up your bread into smaller pieces and place the pieces into your food processor. Put the cover on and use the chop or blend buttons. You will want to run the food processor until your bread products are the consistency of fine bread crumbs. Turn the food processor off.

Remove the cover and add in your spices and herbs. You will need to season it 'to taste'. I like to use roughly 1 tablespoon of each spice or herb. Place the cover back on and mix again for 30 seconds.

You will need to store your new freshly dried bread crumbs in an air tight container. You should store them in a cool, dry and dark place, like inside a pantry or kitchen cabinet.

This is a great way to use up all of your left-over bread products without letting them go to waste. I like to use my homemade bread crumbs in meatloaf, meatballs, to coat fish and chicken.