These Are the Best Substitutes for Breadcrumbs (2024)

Breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in so many recipes. Can you imagine your favorite casserole or baked macaroni and cheese without that crispy, crunchy, buttery topping? We didn't think so! Breadcrumbs are also a key binding agent in recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, black bean burgers, and crab cakes. And when they're toasted, they make a delicious crunchy topping for pasta dishes, roasted fish or roasted vegetable side dishes. And of course chicken fingers and fish sticks wouldn't be the same without that trademark breadcrumb coating! But what if you are making a recipe that calls for breadcrumbs and you're all out? Don't run to the grocery store just yet—you might have some of these easy breadcrumb substitutes on hand already!

Turns out that many pantry staples (including crackers, chips, and other dried goods) can be used as a breadcrumb substitute. All it takes is crushing up some tortilla chips or pulverizing some store-bought croutons to get the same effect as your usual breadcrumbs—you may even find that you like some of these swaps better than the real thing! Read on for some of our favorite pantry items to use as substitutes for breadcrumbs.

Store-bought croutons are one of the best substitutes for breadcrumbs—they have so much flavor built right in! Just process them into fine crumbs, then use them in any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs.

Have some potato chips in the pantry? Throw them in a food processor, process them into fine crumbs, and use them as a breadcrumb substitute when coating chicken or pork or when topping your favorite casseroles (any flavor will do!). We don't recommend using them in recipes like meatloaf or meatballs however, since they will add too much extra grease. Also, keep in mind that potato chips are likely saltier than your average breadcrumbs.

Almonds can add a crunchy, nutty flavor when used as a coating for fish, chicken, or pork. Bonus: They'll add healthy fats and protein to your dish, too (and they're gluten-free!). Just finely crush them before using—a food processor works well, but don't over-process or you'll have almond butter.

Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy, salty, corny flavor to any recipe where you'd normally use breadcrumbs. They're great for coating chicken, fish, or pork before baking or frying, or mixed into meatballs or meatloaf. They'd also taste great as a topping for macaroni and cheese or an enchilada casserole.

Try crushed up saltine crackers in place of breadcrumbs in meatloaf or meatballs—the crackers have a mild flavor and can turn into pretty fine crumbs. Just give them a good crush or a quick turn in the food processor before using.

Don't look past the breakfast cereal in your pantry—cornflakes can actually be a great substitute for breadcrumbs! They add amazing crunch to fried chicken and are even a great coating for pork chops. Just mix them with some savory spices like oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder for a little extra flavor and to balance out any sweetness.

Pretzels have a nice crunch and salty flavor, making them a perfect breadcrumb substitute. Just process them into coarse crumbs then use them in just about any recipe that calls for traditional breadcrumbs. We love them in this pretzel-crusted chicken with broccoli!

Cooked rice is a great substitute for breadcrumbs when you need a binder, like in black bean burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf. Just don't use rice as a breadcrumb substitute if you're making something crispy (like coated meat or fish)—rice has too much moisture.

This may sound obvious, but if you don't have pre-made breadcrumbs in your pantry you can always make your own from leftover or day-old bread (hot dog or hamburger rolls also work great for this!). Here's an easy recipe for homemade panko breadcrumbs.