Substitute For Panko Breadcrumbs

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

This substitute for panko breadcrumbs is better than the other suggestions out there, like using crushed tortilla chips, crushed potato chips, sesame seeds, chopped nuts, stuffing mix, and cracker crumbs.

These substitutes change the dish because they have different flavors and textures.

What are Panko Breadcrumbs?

Panko bread crumbs are crumbs made from Japanese milk bread. This white bread is super soft and slightly sweet with a neutral flavor. 

The crumbs are made by oven baking crustless white bread until it is dry and still pale in color.

This substitute for panko breadcrumbs takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish to make and uses white bread.

If you are pushed for time or don't have the time to make this panko substitute, use regular breadcrumbs. 

Ingredients In This Recipe

The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

White bread - Use plain white sliced bread, white loaf bread, or white buns. It can be fresh or stale but not moldy. 

If you wanted the crumbs to be more like the authentic Japanese bread crumbs, you could always make Japanese milk bread for this recipe.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1 - Remove the crusts from the bread. The crusts can be discarded or used with other bread to make regular breadcrumbs. 

Then cut or tear the bread into small pieces and place it into the bowl of a food processor.

Step 2 - Process the crumbs until you get a texture you like, which could range from fine to large. (If you don't have a food processor, see our post on how to make breadcrumbs without a food processor).

We usually make a medium / large crumb. We find this size good for the cooking we do. These can then be ground down to a fine crumb if needed.

Step 3 - Spread the fresh crumbs onto a rimmed baking tray in a layer that is not too thick. If the crumb layer is too thick, it will take longer to dry out. And there is a chance of the crumbs turning brown because of the extended time in the oven.

Step 4 - When done, remove the trays from the oven and allow the panko crumbs to come to room temperature.

Step 5 - Transfer the crumbs to a ziplock bag, squeeze out the air, seal and then use your fingers to crush any chunky pieces of crumbs into small pieces.

Recipe Tips

• You can use either fresh or stale bread but don't use bread that has gone moldy.
• For best results, don't overfill the trays with crumbs. It is best to have a thin layer of crumbs on a tray for baking rather than a thick layer for faster drying without browning.
• Avoid overbaking breadcrumbs because they should remain white.
• Occasionally stir the crumbs with a fork to move them around on the trays during baking for even drying.
• The baking time is just a guide because oven temperatures do vary. 
• You can tell when the breadcrumbs are ready by feeling them. Pick up some crumbs and rub them between your fingers. They should feel dry and crumbly if not bake them for a little longer.

How To Use

Here are some ways you can use this substitute for Panko breadcrumbs: 

• Use it as a stuffing for crab cakes, stuffed peppers, and tomatoes.
• Use it as a breading to coat fried ice cream, onion rings, apple slices, pineapple rings, cutlets, or cheese sticks.
• Use it as an extender in meat patties, meatballs, or homemade sausage.
• Or hydrate the dried crumbs to make fresh breadcrumbs.

How to make fresh breadcrumbs from Panko

Did you know that you can make fresh breadcrumbs made from Panko breadcrumbs? 

Here's how you do it. Take a cup of dried panko crumbs and place it into a medium-sized bowl. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons at a time of room temperature water with Panko breadcrumbs. 

You will only need to add enough water for the crumbs to become soft. But do be careful not to add too much water because you will end up with a soggy mess. 

If you have added a little too much water, add some more dried crumbs to soak up the excess.

Use fresh breadcrumbs like this as a casserole topping. If you like, season the breadcrumbs with dried herbs or other flavors like garlic and onion finished with grated cheese over the top.

Storage

Store Panko breadcrumbs in an airtight container or a zip lock bag with the air squeezed out.

They can be stored in the fridge for up to one month or frozen for up to three.

Frozen breadcrumbs take very little time to thaw and can be used straight from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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