I seem to be on a “basic ingredient” sort of kick lately. Spice mixes and simple sauces andthat kind of thing. And since these sorts of recipes are always useful, I’m sticking with my “basic” theme for today and posting a new one. For breadcrumbs!

Breadcrumbs are boring, right? Well, they don’t have to be! Especially when used as a breading, specialty breadcrumbs like this recipe for toasted breadcrumbs are wonderful. Toasted breadcrumbs give anything you put them on (or in) a rich, toasted, homemade flavor that you don’t get with plain old breadcrumbs, or worse, those cornmeal-like pre-packaged crumbs.

Click to enlarge.

This homemade bread crumbs recipe is super easy, and after you’ve tried it you may feel very little need to go back to buying packaged breadcrumbs. You can make these up to a day in advance, but if you make them too far ahead, they’ll lose their crispness. Planning on using them in a recipe (like these great veggie burgers)? It’s fine if they’re not crispy, since tossing them in with the mix will get them a bit soggy, anyway. Even if you make them up ahead, you still get the great toasty flavor.

Any kind of bread works for these, but they’re best with a firm bread like sourdough or French. Play around with different kinds to find the combo you like best.

Simple Toasted Bread Crumbs Recipe

Ingredients:
3 C. fresh bread crumbs, fine
1/4 C. olive oil (optional)
Salt, to taste (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Spread crumbs out over a large baking pan.

3. Bake about 15 minutes until crumbs are golden. Stir occasionally.

4. If desired, toss with olive oil and salt (this is great if you’re using the crumbs for a breading or casserole topping).

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