How to make panko bread crumbs from stale bread? It’s very quick and easy to make homemade bread crumbs using old bread or any kind of bread that might be going stale.
I love homemade anything!
It’s the challenge of making something myself that always inspires me to try.
There is nothing wrong with the store-bought version of panko bread crumbs. But, there is something so special about making it home.
Ingredient List
- Ciabatta Stale or any vegan stale bread.
- Crushed Red Pepper or black pepper.
- Dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Nutritional yeast.
- Optional -> Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and dried lemon balm would be a great addition to it.
As you can see, it’s made with pantry staple ingredients.
Common questions
Regular breadcrumbs are finely ground whereas Panko are roughly ground. The panko crumbs are flakier and are almost always made with crustless white bread. Regular breadcrumbs can be made from any type of bread.
The grocery store breadcrumbs can last a very long time, as long as you don’t expose them to air. I keep them in their container which is tightly sealed. For the bread crumbs I make at home, I try to use them up in a week or two. Since they are fresh and have no preservatives, they tend to have a shorter shelf life.
Well, it comes down to the type of bread you use. Most white breads are vegan because they are free of animal products. They are made with just 3 ingredients: wheat flour, water, and yeast. I have seen some vegan ciabatta bread where dairy products are used, but it will always say it on the label.
Japanese-style panko has larger pieces, compared to regular breadcrumbs. Panko is a Japanese word that means “Bread” and “Flour” or “Powder”. It’s used extensively in Japanese cuisine, especially for coating fish. Authentic Japanese panko is normally made with non-gmo products.
What kind of bread can be turned into vegan breadcrumb?
- Crustless white bread like ciabatta is always used to make panko bread crumbs. I used ciabatta bread to make my breadcrumbs.
- Italian bread is also a good bread to use in it. I like to add Italian seasoning to it.
- French bread or sourdough bread.
- To make Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, use a gluten-free bread preferably one that has xanthan gum.
If you want to understand more about vegan products and vegan alternatives, I have a huge guide on what vegans eat and not eat.
Storing panko breadcrumbs
- Make them and then transfer the breadcrumbs into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate it immediately. This way, they remain fresh and last up to 6 months.
- If you keep vegan bread crumbs outside, store them in a cool, dark place and use them up within a month.
What kind of seasoning can I add to it
- Dried spices like Italian, oregano, lemon pepper, basil and dill
- Greek seasoning
- Za’atar spice
- Cuban seasoning
- Creole seasoning
If you don’t have a (Affiliate Link) food processor, you can use a (Affiliate Link) mortar and pestle or a even meat tenderizer!
How to make fresh bread stale quickly?
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 5 minutes or until it’s hard. When the top is golden brown, it’s ready.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to the touch before using it.
- If you don’t have bread on hand and want to make panko, you can use melba toast, saltines, or even biscotti.
How to use vegan panko bread crumbs?
- Casarecce pasta
- Meatball casserole
- Vegan mac and cheese
- Stuffed Shells
- Muhammara
- Sweet potato wedges
- Meatballs sub
So, Make your own breadcrumbs today and put your own seasoning in it. Then, make a delicious recipe using these panko breadcrumbs and send me the pics!
What do you plan to make with these breadcrumbs?
Sharing is caring
Don’t be shy, chime in below in the comments (under the recipe card). Let me hear your opinion on this vegan panko bread crumbs recipe. If you enjoyed this, please give it a star rating and share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.
Homemade Panko Bread Crumbs
Ingredients
- 1 roll ciabatta Stale or about 2 days old
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp parsley Dried
- 1 Tbsp oregano Dried
- 1 tsp basil Dried
- ½ tsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp pink salt Optional
Instructions
- Place the ciabatta roll in a processor.1 roll ciabatta
- Add dried parsley, oregano, basil, nutritional yeast, and pink salt.1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp parsley, 1 Tbsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, ½ tsp pink salt, ½ tsp nutritional yeast
- Grind everything to Panko texture.
- Use it immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
These bread recipes will make all you bread lovers very happy – Ribollita, cheesy garlic bread, simple bread salad and Easy tomato sandwich.
I always have leftover baguettes because Connor won’t eat the last sandwich knowing I am going to make these Panko crumbs for topping his mac and cheese!
Thank you, Jennifer
I use panko bread crumbs ALL THE TIME!!! Can’t wait to make my own! GREAT IDEA!!!
Thank you, Brandi.
Who knew you could make your own Panko?? I sure didn’t!! Brilliant!
Thank you, Michaela
I save all the heals and little bits of bread in the freezer for just something special like this! Though, honestly, I’ve never even tried making my own Panko. I’ve made stuffing and croutons. But now I need to try panko!
Thank you, Debi
We are never quick to eat bread when we have it in the house, so this is going to save me some money by transforming the bread into panko bread crumbs. So simple and economical! Does panko freeze well?
Thank you, Sandra. I have refrigerated them and they stay perfect for about 1-2 months. To be honest, I have never tried freezing them, so, I can’t answer that yet. Just made a batch and I am going to freeze them to see how it well they freeze. 🙂
I am the same, I hate throwing food away. It’s just to expensive to toss! Bread to breadcrumbs or croutons, I’m right there with you!
Thank you, Deb.
What a great idea! I have never tried to make panko – but now I really should!
Thank you, Kylee
Thank you for answering all my questions regarding Panko. I agree with you, homemade is always so much better!
Thank you, Kathy
I’ve made bread crumbs and croutons with my stale bread but never thought to make panko which I love! Thank you for a wonderful tutorial and recipe!
Thank you, Julie