Best Bread Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Bread in a Recipe?
Looking for the best Bread substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 6 reliable Bread replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Italian Bread Crumbs — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 75% of the amount. Italian bread crumbs are denser and often pre-seasoned; use about three-quarters the volume. May need slightly more liquid in recipes that rely on bread for moisture.
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Get ratios for Bread →All Bread Substitutes (6 options)
Italian bread crumbs are denser and often pre-seasoned; use about three-quarters the volume. May need slightly more liquid in recipes that rely on bread for moisture.
Same form, different grain type; flavors and textures vary slightly. Adjust for density differences if using denser varieties like sourdough.
Pre-cut and dried form; useful for stuffing. Dries out faster than fresh bread chunks.
Cracker crumbs are drier and often salted; use slightly less and adjust seasoning. Works well in meatballs, breading, and binding applications.
Saltines are drier and more crumbly than bread; crush first and use about three-quarters the volume. Works well for binding or breading.
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Tips for Substituting Bread
For most recipes, Italian Bread Crumbs is the best starting point. Italian bread crumbs are denser and often pre-seasoned; use about three-quarters the volume. May need slightly more liquid in recipes that rely on bread for moisture. Watching your grocery budget? Saltines is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Bread substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Bread Substitutes
The best substitute for Bread is Italian Bread Crumbs. Use about 75% of the amount called for. Italian bread crumbs are denser and often pre-seasoned; use about three-quarters the volume. May need slightly more liquid in recipes that rely on bread for moisture.
This guide lists 6 Bread alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
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