Breadcrumbs with homemade sourdough (from leftovers)

If you're wondering what to do with your leftover sourdough bread, why not turn it into crumbly breadcrumbs! They are very easy to make and incredibly versatile. Sprinkle them over your salad, or stews for a fantastic addition of texture and flavor to your meal. Here's how to make sourdough at home.

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What is the best bread to use for breadcrumbs?

When planning to make a batch of delicious homemade bread, you're probably wondering what kind of bread makes the best and tastiest crumb.

You will be pleased to know that, Delicious breadcrumbs come from a variety of breads, or rolls. Whenever you find you have a stale loaf of bread, simply transform it into a thick crumb, then toast or freeze until you're ready to eat it.

Here are some breads that make great bread:

• Sourdough
• french
• rye
• Whole wheat
• Leftover hot dog/hamburger buns

How to make sourdough breadcrumbs at home

Once you've managed to whip up your first batch of fresh bread, you'll never go back to store bought bread again! It is very simple to do. Since you will be using bread that you would not normally eat; a great way to minimize waste.

The process of making homemade bread includes:

• Choice of bread
• DRY
• Processing
• Fine crumbs

Choice of bread

The first element you need is leftover sourdough bread. They don't have to be the same size, bigger and smaller pieces are always welcome! You can also include crusts and dried slices, the beauty of the bread is not important in this recipe.

So collect your breadcrumbs and cut the larger pieces into smaller, more manageable pieces

DRY

Once your sourdough bread has been cut into smaller pieces, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Or if you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by using your oven.

Simply preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and bake the sourdough pieces. It will take about 20 minutes, removing them after 10 minutes, to turn the pieces over, allowing them to cook on the other side.

Processing

Allow the bread slices to cool until they are warm to the touch. Add them to the bowl of a food processor, then pulse on high speed until they break down into coarse crumbs.

Spread these crumbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Take them out of the oven and move the crumbs around, and try to flip them over, then return them to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let your bread cool. If they're warm when you do the next step, you'll end up with condensation, which can cause more moisture, then mold. For this reason, you should make sure that your bread is as dry and cold as possible. Try to leave them for a few hours.

Fine crumbs

Once your homemade bread has cooled completely, add it back to the bowl of your food processor and process on high speed until they have reached a nice, crumbly consistency.

Spiced breadcrumbs

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the homemade breadcrumbs in a little olive oil. Add the thyme, salt and ground black pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden brown.

Transfer these seasoned breadcrumbs to an airtight container and store on the kitchen counter for up to a week.

Can you make breadcrumbs without a food processor?

You can certainly make breadcrumbs without a food processor with a high-powered blender.

However, if you don't have any equipment to help you crush the breadcrumbs, then simply place your sourdough breadcrumbs in a freezer bag and use a heavy rolling pin to crush the bread into crumbs. Roll back and forth, shaking the bag every now and then, so as to crush all the pieces of sourdough bread.

Different ways to use breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs bring a certain vibrancy to any meal, with their incredible texture that doesn't go unappreciated.

• Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top pasta dishes
• Use the breadcrumbs as a salad topping
• Add to macaroni and cheese before serving
• We mix them into meatballs or pieces of meat
• Mix them into fishcakes
• Use as a filling for stuffed vegetables
• Brush the meat with them for extra crunch

How to store leftover bread crumbs?

Once you've turned your stale bread pieces into breadcrumbs, put them in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

They may lose some of their flavor when they rise, but they can last indefinitely when raised.

When ready to use, remove the breadcrumbs from the freezer and transfer to the oven, or baking pan.

Sourdough and gluten sensitivity

By now you are probably aware of sourdough bread and its incredible versatility. Additionally, sourdough breadcrumbs are a great option for those who are sensitive to gluten.

Sourdough is not necessarily gluten freeand should not be consumed by anyone suffering from celiac disease. However, those who have encountered some sensitivity to gluten find that it is much easier to digest. Thus, it's an incredible addition to other dishes, while ensuring you won't have a bad reaction.

Sourdough Breadcrumbs are super easy

These leftover sourdough breadcrumbs will quickly make their way onto your list of favorite recipes. A great way to create flavorful breadcrumbs that can elevate many main dishes, with their incredible crunchy texture and distinctly tangy flavor, you'll find yourself making a batch of crusty bread quite often!

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