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.

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.
In a large bowl, season the riced cauliflower with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and mix it together well.
Spread on a lightly sprayed pan (or a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray) and bake.
Want to save this recipe?
Roast the bread crumbs for 20-30 minutes making sure to stir them every 10 minutes so that they crisp up evenly.
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
🗹 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).
🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS. What goes great with this recipe? Let me tell you!
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Cauliflower Breadcrumbs: The Best Substitute For Bread Crumbs
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.
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!