Breadcrumbs Substitute
No breadcrumbs on hand? These work just as well for breading and binding.
Real substitutes for 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Crushed crackers
1 cup crushed crackers
Saltines or Ritz-style crackers both work; a reliable 1:1 swap for coating and breading.
Rolled oats, pulsed
1 cup rolled oats, pulsed in a food processor to a coarse crumb
Good binding texture for meatballs and meatloaf; less crisp than real breadcrumbs, so not the best choice for a fried coating.
Crushed cornflakes
1 cup crushed cornflakes
Crisps up more than regular breadcrumbs when baked or fried, so it's a strong swap specifically for a crunchy coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for breading?
Crushed crackers are the most reliable 1:1 swap for coating and breading. Crushed cornflakes work too and crisp up even more when baked or fried.
What's the best breadcrumb substitute for meatballs or meatloaf?
Rolled oats, pulsed in a food processor to a coarse crumb, bind meat mixtures well -- though they're not crisp enough to use as a fried coating.
Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Panko is itself a type of breadcrumb, just coarser and airier, so it's not covered as a separate substitute here -- these options are for when you have no breadcrumbs at all.