Homemade Panko Bread Crumbs (With Sourdough!)
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This week on our meal plan, I decided to make copycat Sticky Fingers from Wingers (because who doesn’t love that sweet, spicy, crunchy goodness?!).
One of the key ingredients? Panko bread crumbs!
But when I checked the store, I wasn’t impressed with the price—or the ingredients. That’s when I thought, why not just make my own?
I had some leftover sourdough that needed to be used up, and honestly, sourdough makes everything better.
You can use any bread, but I highly recommend sourdough for that extra flavor!
If you don’t bake your own, Izzio Sourdough or Essential Baking Company’s sourdough (which we grab in a 3-pack at Costco for a great price!) are my go-to store-bought options.
How to Make Your Own Panko Bread Crumbs
Cube your bread – I just cut mine into small chunks.
Lightly season (optional) – I gave mine a quick spray of avocado oil and a little salt & pepper for extra flavor.
Bake at 250°F for about 45 minutes – The goal is to completely dry out the bread without toasting it too much.
Crush it up – I pulsed mine in a small food processor, but you could just as easily:
Put it in a ziplock bag and roll it out.
Use a mortar and pestle if you have one.
How to Store Your Homemade Panko
Once your breadcrumbs have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or a sealed jar.
They’ll last up to 2 weeks at room temperature, but if you want to keep them longer, just pop them in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use them, let them sit out for a few minutes, and they’re good to go!
Love Sourdough? Try This Too!
This same technique—cubing and drying out sourdough—is what I use for my homemade stuffing recipe, and let me tell you, it makes all the difference!
If you want a stuffing that’s flavorful, hearty, and absolutely delicious, check out my Sourdough Stuffing Recipe.
And that’s it! Super simple, budget-friendly, and way better than store-bought. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread instead of letting it go to waste.
Now, off to make some sticky fingers! Would you try making your own panko? Let me know!
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Updated on: 03/16/2025
