The best Italian breadcrumbs — and the crummiest
Busy days and scant time to think about dinner plans mean it's the season for shortcuts — like seasoned breadcrumbs.
Whether you're working with meat or veg or throwing together a quick casserole, pre-dried and crushed crumbs can be a huge time-saver, as they add crunch and flavor to everything they touch.
Breadcrumbs, typically found on the bread aisle or near the spices on the baking aisle, come in various styles, from unseasoned panko to seasoned Italian-style crumbs. The latter are perfect for topping a pan of mac and cheese or cassoulet, or coating baked chicken, squash, tofu or pork chops. They're also an instant topping for all dishes Italian.
Expertly made Italian breadcrumbs are gently ground, so they still look like crumbs, and lightly seasoned with garlic, onion, salt and a generous pinch of Italian herbs. They offer toasty, bready crispiness and have the ability to turn simple food into something special.
That said, there's a vast difference between the best of the lot and the worst — powdery, overprocessed mixes whose toasty, herby flavors are obliterated by excessive salt and dried garlic.
Here's the scoop on the tastiest Italian breadcrumbs and the … crummiest. Nutrition details refer to a ¼ cup serving.
Aleia's Italian Bread Crumbs
These toasty flavored crumbs made with rice and potato flour bake up crispy and add deep, buttery flavor. They have just a touch of salt and herbs — and they're gluten-free. 100 calories, 2 g fat, 200 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 2 g protein. $6.99 for 13 ounces at Raley's. ★★★★
Raley's Italian Style Bread Crumbs
When a dish calls for an herby kick and a dash of salt, these breadcrumbs are a great choice. The gentle hit of onion is especially nice. 110 calories, 1.5 g fat, 360 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 4 g protein. $2.55 for 15 ounces. ★★★•
Market Pantry Italian Style Bread Crumbs
These extra-bready crumbs have a pleasant balance of herbs and seasonings. They provide layers of deliciousness that highlight the flavor of the bread. 110 calories, 1.5 g fat, 360 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 4 g protein. $1.19 for 15 ounces at Target. ★★★
Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs
These crumbs provide a toasty crunch when used as a coating, but they are both salty and bland. Use sparingly. 100 calories, 1 g fat, 400 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 4 g protein. $3.95 for 15 ounces at Raley's. ★★
Signature Select Italian Style Bread Crumbs
The powerful garlic aroma of these crumbs is daunting — but it cooks out just fine. Far more problematic is the salt blast that eclipses all other flavors. 100 calories, 1.5 g fat, 390 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 4 g protein. $3.49 for 15 ounces at Safeway. ★•
First Street Italian Style Bread Crumbs
None of the charm of breadcrumbs is present in this salty, powdery mix. The herbs taste flat, and the grainy crumbs fail to crisp when baked. 110 calories, 1.5 g fat, 380 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 4 g protein. $1.99 for 15 ounces at Smart & Final. ★
Full Circle Italian Style Bread Crumbs
The chunky texture of these super-dry, gluten-free crumbs is appealing, but they taste like someone dumped too much garlic powder in the mix. These are far too pungent for most dishes. 100 calories, .5 g fat, 420 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 2 g protein. $3.29 for 9 ounces at Food Maxx. •
Sunny Select Italian Style Bread Crumbs
Too many herbs, a wicked wallop of garlic powder and too much salt make these crumbs unappetizingly bitter. These are guaranteed to ruin just about any dish. 110 calories, 1.5 g fat, 380 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 4 g protein. $1.79 for 15 ounces at Food Maxx. •