Turning Leftover Challah into Delicious Bread Crumbs: A Fun and Easy Guide!

Turning Leftover Challah into Delicious Bread Crumbs: A Fun and Easy Guide!

Ever find yourself with leftover challah and no idea what to do with it? I got you! I have a simple solution: challah bread crumbs. Turning your extra challah into bread crumbs is so quick and easy and sets you up for many more delicious meals to come. You'll never have to (or want to!) buy breadcrumbs from the store again! 

Easy Storage for Your Bread Crumbs

Storing challah bread crumbs is as easy as making them. Simply pop your fresh bread crumbs into an airtight container and stash them in the freezer. They stay fresh and ready to use whenever you need them. No more tossing out stale challah – you'll always have a stash of bread crumbs on hand!

Flavor Combinations

One of the best things about making your own challah bread crumbs is the flexibility to flavor them however you like. You can get creative with different seasonings and spices to match any dish. Whether it’s a savory coating for chicken schnitzel or a sprinkle of crunch on a salad, you have the freedom to experiment and customize your breadcrumbs for whatever you're making.

But here's my personal tip: keep them plain when you make/store them. This way, you can tailor the flavor to whatever recipe you’re making.

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Here are five flavor combinations for when you want to spice up your bread crumbs:

1. Italian Seasoning:
   • Combine your bread crumbs with dried oregano, basil, parsley, and a touch of garlic powder. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta dishes or breading chicken cutlets.
2. Za'atar Seasoning:
   • Mix in za'atar for a fragrant, tangy twist, ideal for coating roasted vegetables or sprinkling over salads.
3. Lemon Herb:
   • Add a mix of dried lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and a hint of dill. This bright, citrusy blend is perfect for seafood dishes.
4. Parmesan Garlic:
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of parsley. This combination is great for breading everything from chicken tenders to eggplant slices, or my favorite: toasted over a caesar salad.
5. Smoky Paprika:
   • Mix in smoked paprika, cumin, a touch of chili powder, and a sprinkle of sea salt. This bold, smoky blend is perfect for adding depth to roasted meats or hearty vegetable dishes.

Recipe: Plain Challah Bread Crumbs

Ingredients:

• Leftover challah (any amount you have on hand)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure a low and slow drying process.
2. Slice the challah: Cut your leftover challah into slices about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Dry the bread: Place the challah slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is completely dry and slightly golden (not toasted). Flip the slices halfway through to ensure even drying.
4. Cool completely: Remove the dried challah from the oven and let it cool completely. (These is key! You don't want any moisture from the steam turning your breadcrumbs into clumps during the next step).
5. Crush into crumbs: Once the challah is cool, break it into smaller pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you reach your desired crumb size – fine, coarse, or anywhere in between.
6. Store properly: Transfer the bread crumbs to an airtight container and store in the freezer to keep them fresh for months.

Enjoy!

Turning leftover challah into bread crumbs is not only a great way to reduce waste but also such a versatile ingredient to have on hand. So, next time you find yourself with some extra challah, remember this fun and easy trick. Your future self (and your future meals) will thank you!

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