Made with just a few basic ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes, these keto breadcrumbs are a game-changer for low-carb cooking. Whether you’re coating chicken, adding crunch to casseroles, or using them as a binder in meatballs, these gluten-free breadcrumbs are super versatile and easy to whip up at home.
Plus, they’re crispy, flavorful, and totally low in carbs, making them perfect for your favorite keto recipes!
We all love that extra crunchy texture—especially when it’s paired with a tasty dipping sauce and our favorite sides, right? Well, the secret to that irresistible crispiness is usually breadcrumbs. The only problem? Traditional breadcrumbs are loaded with carbs and definitely not keto-friendly.
But don’t worry—if you’re following a keto lifestyle, you don’t have to give up that crispy goodness. You can still enjoy all your favorite crunchy recipes by making a simple batch of low-carb keto breadcrumbs at home.
These gluten-free breadcrumbs are super versatile and work perfectly as a binder in keto meatballs, meatloaf, or even as a crispy coating for chicken, fish, and veggies. So if you’ve been missing that golden crunch, this keto breadcrumb recipe is your new go-to solution.
- 1 What Are Bread Crumbs?
- 2 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Low Carb Breadcrumbs Recipe
- 3 Are Breadcrumbs Keto Friendly?
- 4 Ingredients For These Keto Breadcrumbs
- 5 How To Make Keto Bread Crumbs
- 6 Recipe Variations for Keto Breadcrumbs
- 7 How To Use These Keto Breadcrumbs
- 8 Storing Ideas for Keto Breadcrumbs
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Keto Breadcrumbs
What Are Bread Crumbs?
Breadcrumbs are small pieces of dried bread that are commonly used in cooking as a binder, coating, or crunchy topping. Traditional breadcrumbs are made from regular bread and are often added to recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, fried chicken, or casseroles to add texture and hold everything together.
While they’re a staple in many recipes, regular breadcrumbs aren’t suitable for a low-carb or keto diet because they’re high in carbs and made from wheat flour. That’s where keto breadcrumbs come in—a great alternative that keeps all the texture and flavor, but without the carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Low Carb Breadcrumbs Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make – These keto breadcrumbs come together in just a few minutes with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – You can make a batch ahead of time and store it for whenever you need a crunchy topping or binder.
- Versatile in Recipes – Use these low-carb breadcrumbs in everything from meatballs and chicken tenders to casserole toppings and even as a coating for baked vegetables.
- Keto-Friendly & Gluten-Free – Made without wheat flour or grains, this breadcrumb alternative is ideal for those on a keto diet, low-carb plan, or with gluten sensitivities.
- Crunchy and Flavorful – Unlike store-bought keto breadcrumbs, this version is full of flavor and gives your dishes that satisfying crispiness.
- Budget-Friendly – Skip expensive store versions and make your own low-carb breadcrumbs using ingredients you already have at home.
Are Breadcrumbs Keto Friendly?
Traditional breadcrumbs made from white bread or wheat flour are not keto-friendly because they are high in carbs and often contain added sugars or starches.
However, the good news is that you can easily make keto breadcrumbs at home using low-carb ingredients like almond flour, pork rinds, or crushed keto bread. These low-carb breadcrumb alternatives give you the same crispy texture without the carbs—perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
So yes, breadcrumbs can be keto-friendly—as long as you use a keto-approved version like the one in this recipe!
Ingredients For These Keto Breadcrumbs
You only need a few simple, low-carb ingredients to make these easy homemade keto breadcrumbs—and chances are, you already have them on hand!
- 8 Slices of Keto Bread – Use your favorite low-carb or keto bread. Day-old or leftover bread works great! If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a batch of our egg-free keto bread recipe.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste. You can also add optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor, depending on how you plan to use the breadcrumbs.
How To Make Keto Bread Crumbs
Making your own keto-friendly breadcrumbs at home is super simple—especially if you’ve got leftover low-carb bread! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut your keto bread into small, even cubes. This helps them bake evenly and crisp up faster.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cubes are golden and crispy. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cool completely, then transfer the toasted bread cubes to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse until fine crumbs form. You can make them as fine or as coarse as you like, depending on the recipe.
Now your homemade keto breadcrumbs are ready to use in your favorite low-carb dishes like meatballs, casseroles, or keto chicken tenders!
Recipe Variations for Keto Breadcrumbs
One of the best parts about making your own low-carb breadcrumbs is how easy it is to customize the flavor! Here are some tasty ways to switch things up and add even more flavor to your keto recipes:
- Smoky Flavor – Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky kick that’s perfect for meats or roasted veggies.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you love a little heat in your breadcrumbs.
- Savory Boost – Add garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the savory notes, especially great for recipes like keto meatballs or stuffed chicken.
- Herb-Infused – Stir in your favorite dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an Italian-style breadcrumb mixture.
These variations are easy to make and help transform your keto breadcrumb recipe into a flavorful coating or binder that fits any meal you’re prepping!
How To Use These Keto Breadcrumbs
These keto breadcrumbs are super versatile and can be used in so many delicious ways! Whether you’re looking to bind ingredients together or add a crispy coating, these low-carb crumbs get the job done—without the carbs.
- Keto Meatloaf – Use them as a binder to hold everything together and keep your meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
- Keto Chicken Meatballs – Perfect for structure and that tender bite without using any regular breadcrumbs.
- Keto Mozzarella Sticks – Coat your cheese sticks in these breadcrumbs for the ultimate crispy, melty snack.
- Chicken Nuggets – Get that classic golden crust while staying low-carb.
- Broccoli Tots – Use them as a binder and coating to create the perfect cheesy, veggie-packed snack.
Storing Ideas for Keto Breadcrumbs
- Room Temperature – Store your keto breadcrumbs in an airtight jar or a ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cool and dry before sealing to avoid any moisture build-up, which can cause them to spoil.
For best results, keep them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. You can also label the container with the date so you always know how fresh they are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Keto Bread?
If you don’t have some keto bread leftovers or you didn’t have time to make bread, don’t worry because you can still make keto bread crumbs by using pork rinds.
Place the pork rinds in a blender and mix until it has the right consistency of bread crumbs. Then add the seasonings, mix until well combined, and that’s it.
Can I Freeze These Keto Bread Crumbs?
Sure, these keto bread crumbs are freezer-friendly. So once completely cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can I Make Keto Breadcrumbs Without A Food Processor?
Yes. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cooled, toasted bread cubes in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a heavy object until you get the desired texture.
How Fine Should I Grind The Keto Breadcrumbs?
It depends on the recipe. For meatballs and meatloaf, a finer texture works best for binding. For breading or topping casseroles, a coarser grind gives more crunch and texture.
Keto Breadcrumbs
Description
Ingredients
- 8 slices low-carb bread
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bread: Tear or cut your keto bread slices into small cubes or chunks and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Season the bread (optional): Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or add your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Bake until crispy: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crunchy. Toss halfway through for even baking.
- Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the toasted bread cubes cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Pulse into crumbs: Transfer the cooled bread to a food processor or blender and pulse until fine breadcrumbs form. For a coarser “panko-style” texture, pulse fewer times.
Notes
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.