Homemade breadcrumbs: the secret ingredient you’ll never guess – how to use corn flakes for crispy coatings!
Breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in many recipes, adding a crispy, golden-brown coating to everything from fried chicken to baked macaroni and cheese. However, traditional breadcrumbs can be time-consuming to make and often contain unwanted additives. Enter corn flakes: an unexpected yet surprisingly effective substitute for breadcrumbs.
Why Use Corn Flakes as Breadcrumbs?
- Convenience: Corn flakes are readily available and can be crushed into crumbs in seconds using a blender or food processor.
- Cost-effective: Corn flakes are significantly cheaper than store-bought breadcrumbs.
- Healthier: Corn flakes are a good source of fiber and whole grains, making them a healthier alternative to white bread crumbs.
- Versatile: Corn flake crumbs can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from savory to sweet.
How to Make Corn Flake Breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn flakes
Instructions:
1. Place the corn flakes in a blender or food processor.
2. Pulse until the corn flakes are finely crushed, resembling breadcrumbs.
Tips for Using Corn Flake Breadcrumbs
- For a finer crumb, blend the corn flakes for longer.
- To add flavor, season the corn flake crumbs with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices.
- If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can crush the corn flakes by placing them in a Ziploc bag and using a rolling pin.
Recipes Using Corn Flake Breadcrumbs
Fried Chicken with Corn Flake Breadcrumbs:
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, eggs, and corn flake crumbs.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Baked Mac and Cheese with Corn Flake Crumbs:
- Top a casserole dish of macaroni and cheese with corn flake crumbs.
- Bake until the crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Apple Crumble with Corn Flake Topping:
- Combine sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon.
- Top with a mixture of corn flake crumbs, butter, and brown sugar.
- Bake until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Variations
- Sweet Corn Flake Breadcrumbs: Use honey-flavored corn flakes for a sweeter crumb.
- Spicy Corn Flake Breadcrumbs: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the corn flake crumbs for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Corn Flake Breadcrumbs: Mix in dried herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano.
Conclusion: Embracing the Corn Flake Revolution
Using corn flakes as breadcrumbs is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s a convenient, cost-effective, and healthier alternative to traditional breadcrumbs that adds a delicious crunch to any recipe. So next time you’re looking for a crispy coating, reach for your bowl of corn flakes and embrace the corn flake revolution!
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use other types of cereal as breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use other types of cereal, such as rice krispies, chex, or oatmeal. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
Q: Can I use corn flake crumbs to thicken sauces?
A: Yes, corn flake crumbs can be used as a thickener for sauces. Simply add them to the sauce and stir until the desired consistency is achieved.
Q: How long can I store corn flake crumbs?
A: Store corn flake crumbs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.
