Learn all about the best substitutes for panko breadcrumbs in this comprehensive guide! We’ll share the simple process to make the BEST panko breadcrumb substitutes and more ideas to ensure you’ve got your dinner needs covered.
When you’re ready to make dinner, and you’re out of breadcrumbs, what can you do? The answer is simple with all these options!
Don’t skip the crispy, crunchy deliciousness of recipes that request panko breadcrumbs – instead, replace them with a variety of wonderful options.
We all know how it goes… you get a craving (or a fabulous idea) for one of your favorite dinners. You check the pantry, the fridge and the freezer for ingredients, and you’re missing one thing.
If it’s panko breadcrumbs that you’re missing, you’re in luck! These are fabulous ideas to help you with a panko substitute when you’re in a pinch.
We’re showing you the recipe to create two cups of substitute, but we’re also guiding you through a variety of ideas so you’ve got options. Who doesn’t love options?
Don’t forget to pin and save this post for later! That way you’ll have it on hand when you need it.
What are Panko Breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are a very crunchy, textural crumb that is baked from crustless white bread. The white bread is processed into flakes, and then dried to create panko breadcrumbs.
They are a Japanese specialty, but used throughout the world for a deliciously crunchy bite in a variety of foods.
They make a crispy, airy topping that can help foods feel like they’ve got a fried coating – without all the grease. Of course, they can be fried as well.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Use any of the following options to create your own panko substitute – we used traditional club crackers for ours!
- Crackers
- Crushed Pretzels
- White Bread (with Crust Removed)
- Cereal
- Crushed Potato Chips
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
- Dry Stuffing Mix
- Corn Flakes
- Coconut Flakes
- Bread Crumbs
- Nuts
- Matzo
- Toasted Rice (gluten-free)
Variations
- Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the breading mixture if you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs.
How to Make this Panko Substitute
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add 2 cups to food processor and pulse into crumbs.
- Spread a thin layer onto baking sheet so crumbs toast evenly. Bake 5-8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Use on your favorite recipes as directed.
Tips
- This is a great way to use stale loaves of bread, before they get moldy.
- Parchment paper not only helps with easy clean-up, it also helps absorb any moisture and give you a crispier result.
- The larger the baking sheet, the better! That way you can spread your panko substitute out on the sheet pan for the crispiest finish.
- Avoid overbaking your panko substitute – whether it’s bread, crackers, nuts etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular breadcrumbs are crispy, but not as crispy as panko! Panko absorbs less moisture, making the finish even crunchier than other breadcrumbs.
Yes! In most any recipe that requests panko breadcrumbs, you can use traditional breadcrumbs instead. The results will be similar, though not quite as crispy.
Serving Suggestions
How do we use panko breadcrumbs in our cooking? Let me count the ways!
- Panko Chicken
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Chicken Speidini
- Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Mac and Cheese Cups
- Easy Piccata Milanese
- Add to Stuffed Mushrooms
- Gratin Dauphinois
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Store the panko substitute breadcrumbs at room temperature (in an airtight container) for up to two weeks.
- Refrigerate – Store panko substitute in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
- Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.
More Substitutions and Guides
Panko Substitutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups Crackers (See Substitutes in Notes for More Options)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add 2 cups to food processor and pulse into crumbs.
- Spread a thin layer onto baking sheet so crumbs toast evenly. Bake 5-8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Use on your favorite recipes as directed.
Julie’s Tips
More panko substitute options:
- Crackers
- Crushed Pretzels
- White Bread (with Crust Removed)
- Cereal
- Crushed Potato Chips
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
- Dry Stuffing Mix
- Corn Flakes
- Coconut Flakes
- Bread Crumbs
- Nuts
- Matzo
- Toasted Rice (gluten-free)
Tips:
- This is a great way to use stale loaves of bread, before they get moldy.
- The larger the baking sheet, the better! That way you can spread your panko substitute out on the sheet pan for the crispiest finish.
- Avoid overbaking your panko substitute – whether it’s bread, crackers, nuts etc.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
