Cauliflower Breadcrumbs: The Best Substitute For Bread Crumbs

Skip the wheat flour or potato chips and opt for these cauliflower breadcrumbs on top of your next casserole. These crunchy florets are a lighter, tastier substitute for bread crumbs in any dish.

Made with just 4 ingredients they’re easy to whip up in a pinch and keep stored in the fridge for when you need them.

Cauliflower breadcrumbs in a single layer on a sheet pan.

Southern cooking and casseroles like our SOUTHERN SQUASH CASSEROLE are full of recipes that require breadcrumbs. Traditionally, cracker crumbs and panko as well as cereals can be found topping our favorite fare.

Though panko bread crumbs and corn flakes give an added crunch to your favorite dishes, once you try these cauliflower bread crumbs you’ll never go back to the others.

Not only are you sneaking in an extra vegetable but these cauliflower bread crumbs are a great way to bring a whole new flavor to your classic dishes!

With a savory, cheesy taste, they’re a gluten-free alternative that brings a crunchy texture with it making it a great option for any dish you use them with.

Though many people use coconut flakes, sesame seeds, or almond meal in place of regular breadcrumbs, this cauliflower version brings so much flavor that it’ll soon become a staple in your fridge.

Ingredients

Cauliflower, washed and trimmed

Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Using a food processor, process the cauliflower florets down to rice size or smaller to make them easy to roast.

🍴 PRO TIP!

We like to break a whole head of cauliflower down and place in water in a blender. Blend to get to the size you want and drain in a colander! Voila! Or you can always buy the frozen already riced and zip them in a food processor or carefully run your knife through them to make smaller.

A head of cauliflower whole.
Cauliflower florets in a blender with water to break down.
Checking consistency of bread crumbs.

In a large bowl, season the riced cauliflower with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and mix it together well.

Adding Parmesan Cheese.
Adding salt.
Adding pepper.
cauliflower in a ble and white bowl.

Spread on a lightly sprayed pan (or a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray) and bake.

Spraying the pan with nonstick spray.
Spreading bread crumbs on a sheet pan.

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Cauliflower breadcrumbs spread on a sheet pan.

Roast the bread crumbs for 20-30 minutes making sure to stir them every 10 minutes so that they crisp up evenly.

Cauliflower breadcrumbs with a grey towel nearby.

Use them once they’ve cooled or store them for later use.

How To Store Them

This gluten-free substitute stores well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them cool fully first and then transfer them into a glass jar or plastic bag. Do not freeze the bread crumbs as they won’t retain their delicious texture once thawed.

How To Use Them

This homemade bread crumb recipe is a great substitute for traditional bread crumbs or other substitutes like almond flour, tortilla chips, pork rinds, stale bread, and sunflower seeds. Use them as you would any other bread crumb:

A crunchy coating on top of a casserole.

Added to meatballs

Layered into a gratin.

As a crunchy texture on top of pasta (they pair especially well with this one pot Tuscan chicken and pasta)

With an egg wash on top of chicken breast

Cauliflower breadcrumbs ready to use.

🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S

How can I easily rice a head of cauliflower?

When blending the cauliflower florets into fine crumbs, add some water. Then, simply drain the broken-down cauliflower into a colander to strain.

Can I use other seasonings?

For extra flavor, you can season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or any other seasoning you enjoy. If you’re using them on a pasta dish, adding something lemon zest is the best option.

How can make sure my breadcrumbs do not burn?

You want the end result to have a crispy texture. However, make sure not to burn the cauliflower. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, make sure to watch them carefully. Take them out of the oven when they’re turning golden but not too brown. This is what will make the best bread crumb substitute (similar to traditional breadcrumbs).

Browned cauliflower breadcrumbs.

🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS. What goes great with this recipe? Let me tell you!

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cauliflower feature

Cauliflower Breadcrumbs: The Best Substitute For Bread Crumbs

Skip the wheat flour or potato chips and opt for these cauliflower breadcrumbs on top of your next casserole. These crunchy florets are a lighter, tastier substitute for bread crumbs in any dish. Made with just 4 ingredients they're easy to whip up in a pinch and keep stored in the fridge for when you need them.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 6

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower washed and trimmed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425. Using a food processor, process the cauliflower florets down to rice size or smaller to make them easy to roast.
    1 head cauliflower
  • In a large bowl, season the priced cauliflower with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and mix it together well.
    1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
  • Spread on a lightly sprayed pan (or a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray) and bake. Roast the bread crumbs at 425 for 20-30 minutes making sure to stir them every 10 minutes so that they crisp up evenly.

See How To Make It!

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    These cauliflower breadcrumbs are such a deliciously brilliant idea. They are fast and easy to make and taste absolutely amazing! (Chef’s kiss.) I wish I’d known this low-carb cooking hack sooner!