Ready to shake things up in the breadcrumb world? Breadcrumbs are great, but what if you’re fresh out or looking for something with a twist?
We’ve all been there, staring at an empty box and wondering, “What’s next?”
No need to worry. This list has you covered with some handy and tasty alternatives.
We’ll keep it simple, straightforward, and fun. These ideas might even be better than the standard breadcrumbs.
7 Easy Substitutes for Breadcrumbs
For this list, we’re keeping things casual and low-key. A pinch of this and a dash of that will take your dishes from bland to grand.
1 – Crushed Tortilla Chips
First up, crushed tortilla chips are not just for snacking. They make an incredible breadcrumb substitute. The best part? They add a unique crunch and flavor that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
Use them in meatballs or as a crispy topping for casseroles. Just swap out breadcrumbs with crushed tortilla chips at a 1:1 ratio. We’ve tried it, and let us tell you, it’s a game-changer for adding that extra texture.
Pro tip: Use different flavored chips to mix things up.
Curious about other tortilla substitutes? Check out our comprehensive guide for more fun ideas.
2 – Rolled Oats
Next up, rolled oats. Who knew your breakfast favorite could double as a breadcrumb substitute? Simple, right? It’s just oatmeal, after all.
Crush them a bit or use them whole for a chewier texture. They work perfect for meatloaf and even as a coating for chicken. Use rolled oats in place of breadcrumbs at a 1:1 ratio.
We’ve tried it and loved the slight nutty flavor it adds. For more ideas, you can check out our post on oatmeal substitutes.
Honestly, this trick has saved us many times. So give it a go!
3 – Cracker Crumbs
Next, cracker crumbs!
We always have a few crackers lying around. They’re perfect for replacing breadcrumbs. Just crush them up finely.
You’ll get a buttery flavor and a nice crunch. Use them in the same amount as breadcrumbs, a 1:1 swap.
We love them for coating chicken and fish. Try using different types of crackers. Ritz gives a richer taste, while saltines keep it simple and crispy.
Give it a shot, and your dish will have that extra crispy texture we all crave. Check out our favorite cracker recipes.
4 – Ground Nuts
Got a handful of nuts? Great, let’s use them as a breadcrumbs substitute. They’re crunchy, full of flavor, and add a nice twist to your dishes.
We prefer almonds and walnuts. Just grind them up finely. Use them 1:1 as you would breadcrumbs. Stick them on chicken or fish for a nutty crust.
One time, we tried this on our fish fillet, and it was a hit!
Just watch out for allergies. Otherwise, it’s a simple, delicious swap.
Need more substitutes? Visit our complete list of breadcrumb alternatives.
5 – Panko
For a crispy texture that never disappoints, let’s talk about Panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than your standard breadcrumbs. The secret? They fry up to a perfect, airy crisp. Use them to coat your chicken or fish. They work great for adding a crunchy topping to casseroles, too.
Substitute them in place of regular breadcrumbs at a 1:1 ratio. Trust us, they always deliver that crunch we crave. We once tried them on mac and cheese, and it was an absolute hit.
Curious about more breadcrumb substitutes? Check out our detailed guide on panko substitutes.
6 – Cornflakes
The humble cornflake is more than breakfast cereal. Crush them up, and they’re a crunchy substitute for breadcrumbs. They’re perfect for coating chicken or pork chops.
We’ve used them, and they add a nice crispy texture. Use them at a 1:1 ratio with breadcrumbs. It’s super simple and gives that crunch we all love.
Once, we tried it on our fried chicken, and it was a hit at the dinner table. Check out our go-to cornflake substitutes for more crispy ideas. Don’t miss out on this easy swap.
7 – Grated Parmesan
Final countdown! Grated Parmesan is your breadcrumb savior. It’s cheesy and adds a crispy layer you’ll fall for. Use it straight from the shaker, or grate it fresh. Parmesan sticks well to chicken and fish.
We love its rich, savory kick. Switch breadcrumbs with Parmesan at a 1:1 ratio. It’s as simple as that. Need a cheese fix? This is the way.
We tried this on our chicken parm, and let’s just say, plates were licked clean. For more cheesy inspirations, check out our guide on Parmesan cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, crushed tortilla chips can be used as a substitute, providing a crunchy texture with a slightly salty flavor.
Yes, rolled oats can be used in place of breadcrumbs, adding a slightly chewier texture to your dishes.
Yes, cracker crumbs can replace breadcrumbs, adding a savory, crunchy texture to dishes like meatloaf and breaded foods.
Yes, ground nuts are a great gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs, offering a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Yes, panko breadcrumbs are a great substitute, offering a lighter, crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.