Are you tired of the same old bland dishes? Do you want to add some crunch and excitement to your meals? Look no further! Bread crumbs are a simple yet powerful ingredient that can elevate any recipe from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that use bread crumbs in creative ways, from classic comfort food to innovative twists on old favorites.
From crispy chicken cutlets to savory vegetable fritters, and even decadent casseroles, these breaded delights are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, we’ll walk you through each recipe step by step, so you can easily recreate these tasty treats at home.
Classic Breaded Chicken Cutlets
A timeless favorite that’s sure to please, this recipe yields crispy and juicy chicken cutlets smothered in a crunchy breading.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dredge floured cutlets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top of each cutlet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Baked Fish Sticks
Transform your favorite fish sticks into a healthier and crispy baked version with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well), cut into stick-like pieces
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each fish stick into the beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fish sticks on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Breaded Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and crispy shrimp dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Breadcrumb-Crusted Mac and Cheese
This classic comfort food gets a satisfying crunch with a simple breadcrumb crust, adding texture to the rich and creamy macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herb-Crusted Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a flavorful herb crust and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Zucchini Fritters with Bread Crumbs
A delicious twist on traditional fritters, these Zucchini Fritters with Bread Crumbs make a tasty and healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup bread crumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional seasonings such as garlic powder or dried herbs
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the zucchini mixture into the oil, flattening slightly to form fritters.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Baked Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
Elevate your snack game with this crispy and cheesy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of mozzarella sticks (about 20-25 sticks)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the sticks and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Breadcrumb-Crusted Tofu
Elevate your tofu game with this crispy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, cornstarch, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip each tofu cube into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) for an extra crispy coating.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crunchy Breadcrumb-Topped Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as macaroni or penne)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, zucchini)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté mixed vegetables in olive oil until tender. Add diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cooked pasta, vegetable mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the casserole mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Breadcrumb-Coated Fried Green Tomatoes
This Southern classic is a flavorful twist on traditional fried green tomatoes, with the added crunch of a breadcrumb coating. Perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
2. Dip each tomato slice into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry coated tomato slices in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total, depending on the number of tomato slices.
Savory Breadcrumb-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizers with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines earthy mushrooms with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and breadcrumbs golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Breadcrumb-Crusted Eggplant Parmesan
A classic Italian-American dish gets a crispy makeover with this recipe! Tender eggplant slices are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, served beneath a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each eggplant slice in olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crispy Breaded Onion Rings
Crispy Breaded Onion Rings Recipe
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this easy and delicious recipe! Crunchy onion rings coated in a flavorful breading mixture, perfect for munching on while watching the big game or as a side dish for your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Dip the floured onion rings into the beaten eggs, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Roll the egg-coated onion rings in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere crumbs to the onions.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the breaded onion rings in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Breadcrumb-Topped Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the potatoes.
8. Dot the top with butter.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cheesy Breadcrumb-Crusted Cauliflower
Elevate your cauliflower game with this mouthwatering recipe, where the perfect blend of crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese will become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
3. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
4. Add the dry mixture to the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the cauliflower to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your Cheesy Breadcrumb-Crusted Cauliflower!
Breadcrumb-Coated Crab Cakes
Elevate your seafood game with these decadent crab cakes coated in crispy breadcrumbs, perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Dip each crab cake in melted butter, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments, such as tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Breadcrumb-Crusted Cod
Elevate your cod game with this simple and flavorful recipe that yields a crispy, golden-brown crust and a tender interior.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each cod fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated cod on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Breadcrumb-Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines crunchy breadcrumbs with savory bell peppers for a delightful snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the breadcrumb mixture, filling to the top.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a crispy culinary adventure! This article presents 18 mouth-watering recipes that use bread crumbs as the main ingredient. From classic breaded chicken cutlets and fish sticks to herb-crusted pork chops and cheesy cauliflower, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to make crunchy breadcrumb-topped casseroles, savory stuffed mushrooms, and even crispy onion rings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!
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