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Herb-and-Garlic Rye Breadcrumbs

These herb and garlic rye breadcrumbs are a simple yet transformative vegetarian store-cupboard staple. By slowly drying out hearty rye bread and frying the resulting crumbs with aromatic rosemary, thyme and garlic, you create a texture that provides a sophisticated crunch to almost any savoury dish. The deep, malty notes of the rye pair beautifully with the fragrant infused butter, offering a far superior flavour to any shop-bought alternative.

This versatile recipe is an excellent way to reduce food waste by using up any leftover loaf you have in the kitchen. Once prepared, these golden crumbs are perfect for scattering over creamy pasta, roasted root vegetables or a fresh seasonal salad for added depth. You can even prepare the dried crumbs up to a month in advance and keep them in the freezer, ready to be fried and seasoned whenever a dish needs a professional finishing touch.

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Ingredients for Herb-and-Garlic Rye Breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 loaf country-style rye bread, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 240ml )

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 4 sprigs rosemary

  • 4 sprigs thyme

  • 4 cloves garlic crushed

  • Kosher salt

Spread out bread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and let sit at room temperature until dried out, 1–2 days.

Place bread in a large resealable plastic bag and seal. Place in another bag, seal, and wrap in a kitchen towel. Using a rolling pin or meat pounder, smash to fine irregular crumbs.

Heat oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium until butter begins to foam. Add rosemary, thyme, and garlic; cook, tossing, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 110g breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and let drain. Remove herbs and garlic; season with salt. Let cool.

Breadcrumbs can be dried out and crushed 1 month ahead. Freeze airtight.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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