Looking for a tasty, low-carb replacement for bread crumbs that doesn’t use pork rinds? This 4-ingredient Keto breadcrumbs recipe with a hemp heart base is just what you need to add a healthy crunch to any dish!
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Keto Breadcrumbs
Ah, breadcrumbs. Or is it bread crumbs? Either way, the very name makes us think that this flavor and texture enhancer won’t fit into a Keto diet. But if you’ve been sorely missing these as part of your meals, I have good news for you… these keto breadcrumbs are beyond tasty and 100% low carb approved!
Some foods just need that crunch. Whether it’s the top layer of a casserole or the “breading” for avocado fries, that variety of texture makes a big difference.
And dishes with a little crunch always seem to be more satisfying.
Dishes like this keto chicken noodle casserole, Salmon Casserole, and Keto Beef Casserole, or desserts like my Mixed Berry Crumble benefit from a toasted almond flour or crumble layer that really brings the whole thing together. Safe to say, I’m no stranger to adding a little crispiness!
But I wanted to create a true Keto bread crumbs recipe that did not involve pork rinds. One you could make and store for easy use throughout the week. One that would pack all that crunch you expect from low carb breadcrumbs. One that would really kick a few of my dishes to the next level.
And friends, dare I say, I think I’ve done it!
What Can I Use Instead Of Breadcrumbs With The Keto Diet?
If you’re looking for a substitute for breadcrumbs on Keto, the answer is delicious, simple, and delightfully healthy.
As I mentioned, I will often use toasted almond flour when I want to add a bit of that crispy texture to my dishes. If you’ve never tried it before, check out my article for How to Toast Almond Flour! It’s simpler than you think, and toasted almond flour is such a great addition to so many recipes.
But, it doesn’t provide the true breadcrumb crunch that I was looking for.
I’ve tried a few recipes that use pork rinds as keto bread crumbs. Some turned out fine, but I find that the final texture really varies based on how much oil the pork rinds retain from the frying process. It’s different for every brand, and that oil can seep into the rest of the recipe and alter the texture.
I was looking for a simpler recipe that I could count on to turn out the right way every time.
Then one day, I made some AMAZING Keto crispy chips, and the moment I tasted them, a lightbulb went off in my head.
The chips were crunchy and simply delicious. So I thought to myself: “What if I modified this slightly, baked it as a sheet, and then crushed it up”? YES!
After a few test rounds, I’m happy to say that I perfected my Keto breadcrumbs recipe!
The taste AND consistency hit the exact spot I was looking for. With only four ingredients and a few simple steps to make, there’s really nothing stopping you from making these delicious Keto breadcrumbs.
Ready to see how easy it is?
How To Make Keto Breadcrumbs
First, we gather up our ingredients: almond flour, hemp hearts, Italian Seasoning, and an egg.
Next, we throw it all in a food processor and blend – super convenient, right?
This will yield enough to fill 2 baking sheets. So the next step is to split the mixture into 2 equal parts. Roll them out between 2 sheets of parchment paper that have been sprayed with your choice of a safe, keto spray (like Avocado oil spray).
Don’t worry about them looking pretty or having nice edges since you are going to obliterate those edges anyway.
Then it’s time to bake! The breadcrumb sheets don’t take long and should come out looking golden and crispy.
Finally, allow the sheets to fully cool, break them up into large chunks, then stick them back into the (cleaned) food processor and pulse until you reach the breadcrumb texture!
Easy peasy.
How to Use Keto Breadcrumbs
Incorporating keto breadcrumbs into your cooking opens up a world of possibilities for combining them with other low-carb ingredients. I’ve already given a few recipes that use keto breadcrumbs, but here are some more ideas!
Try using them as a topping for cauliflower mac and cheese. Or create a crispy crust for stuffed mushrooms. The options are endless.
How Long Can I Store Keto Breadcrumbs?
These should last quite a long time, but I never like to push the envelope on things.
To play it safe, I would recommend storing your Keto breadcrumbs in an airtight container in your fridge for up to a week. And then enjoy having breadcrumbs ready and waiting to add crunch to all your favorite dishes!
Keto Breadcrumbs Variations
While the base recipe for keto breadcrumbs is delicious on its own, adding different herbs and spices can elevate the flavor profile of any dish. Experiment with variations such as garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, or even grated parmesan cheese to customize your breadcrumbs to suit your taste preferences.
Have a little fun with it!
Kitchen Essentials for Keto Bread Crumbs
Food Processor – big or small, you’ll need a food processor. It really doesn’t matter if it’s a Ninja or a magic bullet style. Both will work and I’ve used them both for this.
Baking sheets – you’ll either need 2 baking sheets or you can do this in 2 batches back to back.
Parchment paper – you’ll definitely want to use parchment paper and some oil to keep the dough from sticking!
Benefits of Hemp Hearts in Keto Breadcrumbs
One of the key ingredients in this keto breadcrumbs recipe is hemp hearts, which offer numerous health benefits for those following a keto diet. Hemp hearts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them an excellent addition to your low carb pantry.
I have found that hemp hearts are a great staple in my keto kitchen.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Keto Bread Crumbs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup hemp hearts
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Safe oil such as Avocado Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray 3 sheets of parchment paper with a safe oil such as Avocado oil.
- Add all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend on low for 15-30 seconds.
- Separate dough into 2 equal parts.
- Roll out 1 part between 2 prepared pieces of parchment paper. Roll very thin.
- Remove top layer and slide bottom layer (with rolled dough) onto a baking sheet.
- Repeat the above process with 2 remaining pieces of parchment paper (reuse one sheet) and remaining dough.
- Place both baking sheets in the oven and bake for 11-13 minute or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes on the counter.
- Break up the pieces and place in a clean food processor. Blend for 10-15 seconds.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container!
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.
Great tips, just what I needed some good old bread crumbs to bake with, looks good, Thank you.
This looks yummy!
Have you tried deep frying with this? I’d like to make Scotch eggs.
I have not tried that! Let me know if you do!
This was very easy and very tasty! I used flax seeds and added some additional seasonings but it was so good!
Can you make chicken cutlets with these?
Definitely!
What about a sweet version?
Great idea! I’ll look into it for sure!
Can you freeze this? Thanks!
I would think so! I haven’t tried it, but if I were to try, I would wait until they are FULLY cooled before freezing them. If you freeze them while still warm, I would worry they might get mushy.
I’m on keto for health reasons and for energy and mood stability. These make good bread crumbs, but they also make incredible crackers to enjoy with cheese and some type of meat, like salami. When I make these I usually save a portion of it for crackers, and I add a tiny bit of oil to the batter for extra fat. This is way healthier than it tastes too. Much healthier than wheat bread.
YES!!!!