1. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a popular snack or meal option, but they can also be made with breadcrumbs to add some texture and crunch. To make crispy baked chicken tenders, combine your leftover breadcrumbs with some parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Coat the chicken tenders in flour, dip them in an egg wash, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until crispy.
2. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish that can easily be made with leftover breadcrumbs. To make baked eggplant parmesan, slice your eggplant into thin rounds and coat them in flour, dip them in an egg wash, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Bake the eggplant rounds in the oven and layer them with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking them again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Homemade Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic Italian dish that can be made with breadcrumbs to add some texture and help bind the meatballs together. To make homemade meatballs, combine your leftover breadcrumbs with ground beef, pork, or turkey, and some minced garlic and onion. Form the meat mixture into balls, and then bake them in the oven or pan-fry them on the stove until they are cooked through.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a popular side dish during the holidays, and it can easily be made with leftover breadcrumbs. To make sweet potato casserole with breadcrumbs, combine your leftover breadcrumbs with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Combine this mixture with mashed sweet potatoes and bake in the oven until the top is golden and crispy.
5. Breadcrumb Desserts
Yes, you read that right. Breadcrumbs can also be used in desserts to add some texture and crunch. One popular dessert that uses breadcrumbs is bread pudding. To make bread pudding with breadcrumbs, combine your leftover breadcrumbs with milk, sugar, eggs, and any other flavorings you like, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon. Pour the mixture over cubes of bread and bake in the oven until the pudding is set.
In conclusion, leftover breadcrumbs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, from savory dishes like chicken tenders and eggplant parmesan to sweet desserts like bread pudding. So the next time you have some breadcrumbs left over from a recipe, don’t toss them out. Try one of these recipes instead!