These Are the Best Substitutes for Breadcrumbs

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.