What if I say that you can enjoy Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs without the carb load? Yes, I've got the secret recipe. These game-changing crunchy bread crumbs are made from nutrient-packed almond and coconut flours and a delicious blend of herbs and spices.
This recipe is ideal for those who embrace the low-carb lifestyle while also enjoying great flavors in their favorite foods. Whether you're topping casseroles or adding a crispy coating, this recipe is your new secret weapon for flavor-packed dishes. Let's make traditional breadcrumbs gluten-free style!
This recipe is: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Dairy-Free, and Vegetarian!
Table of Contents
Inspiration For Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Here's the deal: My daughter is gluten-free and adores meals with a crunchy crust, like chicken cordon bleu. I live and breathe low-carb and keto. To me, they are more than just buzzwords—they're a lifestyle choice. The challenge? Balancing dietary needs with great flavors and quality.
Traditional gluten-free options were pretty disappointing (and let's not even talk about their carb content), so I decided to take matters into my own hands. With a dash of creativity and a lot of love, this gluten-free crunchy breadcrumb recipe was born!
Now, my daughter and I can enjoy chicken cordon bleu with a breadcrumb-based crust without compromising our nutritional goals. It's a win-win for everyone, proving that you can have your (breadcrumb-coated) cake and eat it with some ingenuity.
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are 5 reasons to love this gluten-free bread crumbs recipe:
- Use in casseroles, as a coating, or topping for dishes.
- Perfect for those following low-carb or keto diets.
- Suitable for gluten-free and paleo lifestyles.
- Made with easy-to-find pantry staples.
- Customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Are Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs Low-Carb or Keto?
Yes, gluten-free bread crumbs can be made low-carb with flours low in carbohydrates like almond, sunflower, and coconut flour. For this recipe, I've used almond flour and coconut flour. They are nutrient-dense options that are naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, hence their popularity in many low-carb and keto kitchens.
Another thing to note is that I've skipped sugar and other high-carb additives you might find in store-bought bread crumbs or traditional recipes. Instead, I've amplified the flavor with an array of herbs, spices, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan for a unique taste.
Each tablespoon of these gluten-free bread crumbs contains less than 1 g net carbs, making it an excellent low-carb substitute for traditional bread crumbs.
Are These Breadcrumbs A Good Gluten-Free Substitute?
If you're wondering whether these gluten-free bread crumbs are a worthy substitute for traditional bread crumbs, let's set the record straight: the answer is absolutely!
Almond and coconut flour blend to provide a texture that closely mimics the crunch and crumble of traditional bread crumbs. Plus, the Parmesan cheese and mix of herbs and spices give it a depth of flavor that will enhance any dish.
BONUS: Let's talk about nutrition. Many gluten-free substitutes are often high in carbs or loaded with additives, fillers, and starches—not these, as I carefully chose the ingredients to ensure they are low-carb and keto-friendly, without sacrificing taste, of course!
Whether you're cooking your family's favorite dish or trying a new recipe that calls for bread crumbs, swap the traditional crumbs for these ones without a second thought. They're versatile, delicious, and aligned with multiple dietary plans.
Are These Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs A Good Substitute For Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you're eyeing this recipe and thinking about using it as a stand-in for panko bread crumbs, it's important to manage your expectations. These gluten-free bread crumbs are designed to replace traditional bread crumbs—but not panko.
The texture of panko is distinctively lighter and flakier, often used in dishes that require a lighter, airy crunch. On the other hand, my gluten-free bread crumbs offer a denser, more robust texture that mirrors traditional bread crumbs.
Both bread crumbs have unique applications, so while these may not be a direct substitute for panko, they're an excellent option when traditional bread crumbs are called for, think casseroles, meatloaf, or breaded chicken recipes—this is where these homemade bread crumbs truly shine.
Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs Ingredients List
You'll need the following ingredients to make these almond flour bread crumbs:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup coconut flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutes
This recipe is wonderfully simple and requires just this handful of basic ingredients. While it's best to use the specified ingredients for the almond flour bread crumbs, you can swap them for these great alternatives in the list if you happen to be missing any.
- Parmesan cheese: Use nutritional yeast to make dairy-free bread crumbs or omit for a dairy-free and paleo version.
- Olive oil: Swap with melted butter or ghee for a different flavor profile.
- Paprika: Use chili powder or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and spice.
- Dried basil or oregano: Thyme has a slightly earthy and floral flavor that can work well as a substitute for dried basil or oregano.
Additional Ingredients
This recipe shines with its simple, shelf-stable ingredients. Adding more can be tricky because anything fresh reduces the shelf life of the bread crumbs significantly. It is a well-balanced recipe. However, if you're looking to elevate it, try these herb additions:
- Dried parsley: Add some dried parsley for a burst of vibrant flavor.
- Rosemary: Add dried rosemary for extra herby and earthy flavors.
- Marjoram: Marjoram has a mild, lightly sweet taste, and it can enhance the overall herbaceous profile of the breadcrumbs.
Note: These additional ingredients are optional and not a part of the original recipe.
How to Make Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools for this recipe.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all the ingredients. Or you can use a food processor.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while stirring to incorporate it fully, forming a crumbly mixture.
Cooking Instructions
- Evenly spread the seasoned mixture on an unlined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, stir the mixture to ensure even toasting.
- Once the bread crumbs turn golden brown, remove them from the oven.
- Let them cool completely before storage to prevent moisture from spoiling them.
Step 1: Add the almond flour and coconut flour to a large bowl.
Step 2: Add in all the remaining herbs and spices. Yum.
Step 3: Mix well to incorporate all the spices into the almond flour.
Step 4: Add the olive oil to the almond flour and spices.
Step 5: Mix well. Don't worry about any clumps.
Step 6: Add the breadcrumbs to an unlined baking sheet.
Step 7: Using a spatula, spread the breadcrumbs around the baking sheet, creating rows of ridges with the edge of the spatula.
Step 8: Bake in the oven, rotating while it bakes to make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly cooked.
Step 9: If you notice, the ridges are now the opposite direction. I removed the breadcrumbs and made new ridges to facilitate easy browning.
💡My Pro-Tip
Here's my trick for achieving beautifully browned, crispy bread crumbs: Create ridges in the bread crumb layer before baking. These ridges increase the surface area, promoting quicker and even browning. Simply use the side edge of a spatula to achieve this effect and make the best gluten-free bread crumbs.
Also, be vigilant while baking these bread crumbs. Coconut flour can easily scorch, so place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and keep a close eye on the bread crumbs throughout the baking process.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Prepare a large batch and store extra bread crumbs in an airtight container for future use.
- If using Parmesan cheese, grate it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- Use a food processor to mix all the ingredients quickly.
What to Make With Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs?
Bread crumbs are important for creating crispy, scrumptious, and gluten-free coatings. If you're following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, these gluten-free bread crumbs are a true lifesaver! The versatile crumbs are perfect for a wide range of exciting recipes.
- Baked Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Elevate your veggie game by adding a breadcrumb crust to a classic Brussels sprouts gratin.
- Low-Carb Meatball Recipe: Imagine tender, juicy meatballs with a crispy breadcrumb coating. Yep, it's possible—and low-carb to boot!
- Sausage Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a savory sausage mix, top with crispy topping of breadcrumbs, and bake to perfection. Comfort food—meet low-carb lifestyle!
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: Make this classic dish with this homemade version of bread crumbs for that essential crunchy coating.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Store the leftover bread crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent clumping caused by humidity.
- If refrigerating, use an airtight container to prevent clumping.
Reheating Tips
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Freezing Tips
- Place the bread crumbs in a zip-top bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly. Freeze for up to three months.
- Allow the frozen bread crumbs to come to room temperature before reheating them to restore their texture and crispness.
Recipe Conclusion
I believe in the power of simplicity, especially when it comes to useful recipes like this one. Making Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs yourself not only allows you to be creative but also helps you save money. So, next time you encounter a recipe that calls for bread crumbs, you'll be ready with these homemade gluten-free bread crumbs at your disposal! Make more than a cup of bread crumbs in just 15 minutes and store them for later use in various savory keto and low-carb recipes! Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
FAQs
Yes, you can use almond flour as a gluten-free alternative to bread crumbs. However, remember that they will not give the same crispy texture as bread crumbs.
No, panko breadcrumbs are not gluten-free, as they are made from wheat flour.
Gluten-free bread crumbs are typically made from dried and ground gluten-free bread cubes. However, you can also make gluten-free bread crumbs from scratch without using stale bread by using almond flour.
Ground nuts (like almonds) can be a good breadcrumb substitute for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
Easy Gluten Free Breadcrumbs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup coconut flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools for this recipe.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all the ingredients. Or you can use a food processor.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while stirring to incorporate it fully, forming a crumbly mixture.
Cooking Instructions
- Evenly spread the seasoned mixture on an unlined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, stir the mixture to ensure even toasting.
- Once the bread crumbs turn golden brown, remove them from the oven.
- Let them cool completely before storage to prevent moisture from spoiling them.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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