Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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These vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs are a grain-free, healthy alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. They're so crispy and flavorful, that you won't believe they're made from chickpeas! Use them as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs, or as a topping to add more plant-based protein to bowls, salads, or soups.

this RECIPE

Chickpea breadcrumbs can be made with one ingredient – chickpeas. However, they're easily customizable. Add your desired seasonings for more flavor, and while oil is optional, a little goes a long way in getting them even crispier. In addition, you can blitz them as fine or as chunky as you like.

You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make these vegan breadcrumbs. There's very little work involved. It's mostly just waiting for the chickpeas to dry in the oven. And the best part is that these breadcrumbs are good for up to one month.

These grain-free chickpea crumbs were inspired by my Crispy Roasted Chickpeas recipe on this site, as well as these Vegan Wraps with Roasted Chickpeas.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧄 Variations
  • 📖 How to Make Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs
  • 💡Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (2)
  • Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are naturally gluten-free. They are a legume and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Their crumbly texture is perfect for making plant-based breadcrumbs.
  • Hemp hearts for more protein (optional)
  • Seasonings for more flavor (optional)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil for crispier vegan breadcrumbs (optional)

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Variations

  • Italian seasoning - add 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and salt to taste
  • Smoky seasoning - add 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste
  • Cajun-style seasoning - add 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste
  • For more protein - add 2 tablespoons hemp hearts to the seasoning blend

Note: Add the seasoning blends with a drizzle of olive oil after pulsing the chickpeas, before putting them back in the oven.

For more easy and healthy chickpea recipes, visit my Vegan Chickpea Recipes page.

📖 How to Make Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Rinse and drain the chickpeas in a colander or mesh strainer.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (3)

Step 1. Transfer the chickpeas to a clean dish towel or layered paper towels. Pat them between layers of the towel to dry. Remove any loosened skins.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (4)

Step 2. Spread the chickpeas onto a large rimmed nonstick baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 35 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (6)

Step 4. Pulse them until the desired texture.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (7)

Step 5 (optional). For seasoned breadcrumbs, add seasonings and oil to the chickpeas. Toss to coat.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (8)

Step 6. Bake the chickpeas, seasoned or unseasoned, one more time. Spread the chickpea crumbs onto the same baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes more or until the desired crispiness and golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (9)

How to use chickpea breadcrumbs: Use them for breading fried or baked foods, as a binding agent for vegan burgers, or as a topping for casseroles or gratins. Alternatively, use them as a garnish for soups, salads, or veggie bowls for more protein and a delicious crunch.

💡Expert Tips

  • For garnishing: If you plan on using chickpea crumbs as a garnish, pulse them less so they are larger in size.
  • For traditional breadcrumbs: If using in place of traditional breadcrumbs, pulse the baked chickpeas into fine crumbs. They may clump together, but they will dry out and separate in the oven.
  • Storage: Store the unseasoned chickpea breadcrumbs in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to one month. Or freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Refrigerate seasoned breadcrumbs in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • To season a portion of the chickpea crumbs: After pulsing in the food processor, remove a portion of the chickpea crumbs and season. Bake the seasoned and unseasoned chickpea crumbs at the same time, on separate baking sheets, for 10 minutes.
  • To season the plain breadcrumbs before serving: Toss them with the desired seasoning, and a drizzle of oil, and bake at 400ºF for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What are chickpea breadcrumbs?

They are a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. They are made from ground chickpeas.

What do chickpea breadcrumbs taste like?

Plain vegan chickpea breadcrumbs have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor. However, they can be seasoned to taste, and quickly take on the flavor of the added seasonings.

Can you make vegan breadcrumbs without chickpeas?

Instead of chickpeas, use navy beans, cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or butter beans. Be sure to get them really dry before baking.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share your grain-free Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️rate this recipeand leave acomment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (14)

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs

Nisha Melvani

These vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs are grain-free, easy to make, crispy, and flavorful. Plus, they are rich in plant-based protein, and stay fresh for up to one month.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Garnish, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 6 people

Calories 134 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked chickpeas

Optional for Seasoned Chickpea Breadcrumbs:

  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

  • Dry the chickpeas: Transfer the drained chickpeas to a clean dish towel or layered paper towels. Pat them between layers of the towel to dry. Remove any loosened skins.

  • Bake: Spread the chickpeas onto a large rimmed nonstick baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 35 minutes. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool.

  • Blitz: Transfer the baked chickpeas to the canister of a food processor. Pulse until the desired texture.

  • Optional: For seasoned breadcrumbs, add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper to taste, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Toss the chickpea crumbs to coat evenly.

  • Bake the chickpea crumbs, seasoned or unseasoned, one more time. Spread them onto the same baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes more or until the desired crispiness and golden brown.

Notes

    • Storage: Store the unseasoned chickpea breadcrumbs in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to one month. Or freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Refrigerate seasoned chickpea breadcrumbs in an airtight container for up to one week.
    • To season a portion of the chickpea crumbs: After pulsing in the food processor, remove a portion of the chickpea crumbs and season. Bake the seasoned and unseasoned chickpea crumbs at the same time, on separate baking sheets, for 10 minutes.
    • To season plain chickpea breadcrumbs before serving: Toss them in the desired seasoning, and a drizzle of oil, and bake at 400ºF for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • For more protein, add 2 tablespoons hemp hearts to the seasonings.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Sherrie Petersen

    Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (19)
    So good!! I just made a batch that I plan to use on top of my kale salad. What a great way to use chickpeas! I love this recipe!!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you. I'm so happy to hear that! I love these with kale salad too. Have a great week.

      Reply

  2. Karen

    Hello
    I love adding protein to traditional dishes. I'm making meatballs and I can't wait to try this recipe. I was wondering, though, at what temperature are the chickpeas cooked?

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Hi. Sorry. 350F. I just updated it to show in the recipe card too.

      Reply

Vegan Chickpea Breadcrumbs Recipe (Grain-Free) (2024)

FAQs

How to make bread crumbs without bread crumbs? ›

Croutons, seasoned or plain, store-bought or homemade, are an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs. Simply whizz them up in a food blender until they become breadcrumbs.

Are chick peas gluten-free? ›

Yes, chickpeas are gluten-free. Chickpeas have many other names, including garbanzo beans, garbanzo, gram, Bengal gram, Egyptian pea, cici beans, chi chi beans and cece beans. The most common variety of chickpea is a beige, tan color, but they can also be black, green, or red.

What is a low Fodmap substitute for breadcrumbs? ›

Instead of breadcrumbs, try corn flake crumbs or brown rice crumbs. Instead of wheat crackers, try rice crackers. Instead of pasta sauce (usually with garlic and onions), try FODY Marina. Instead of sugar snap peas, try green beans.

Can I use almond flour instead of bread crumbs? ›

Almond flour (sometimes sold as almond meal) has a coarse texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great gluten-free substitute for bread crumbs. You can use it in meatball or meatloaf mixture, but we especially like using it to dredge meats like pork chops to create a crispy exterior.

How much almond flour to substitute for breadcrumbs? ›

How much almond flour you'll use depends on the purpose of the bread crumbs in your recipe. Generally, you can apply a 1-to-1 ratio when it's for coating food for frying or baking and when using it as a binding agent.

Are chickpeas grain free? ›

Chickpeas are a higher quality grain free carbohydrate. They are high in fibre, known as a great source of insoluble fibre to help with gut health. Chickpeas are also low in fat, and high in Lecithin, an essential fatty acid for cell production that also helps heart health.

Are chickpeas a grain? ›

Chickpea is grain legumes grown mainly in areas with temperate and semiarid climate. It is characterized by a high content of protein, fat, vitamins, fiber, and a lower content of carbohydrates than flour of wheat.

Can chick peas trigger IBS? ›

Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans have high amounts. So IBS patients should avoid them, or eat them in very small quantities. What to eat instead: While not exactly a substitute for beans, you can enjoy rice, oats, polenta, millet, quinoa and tapioca.

What is a vegan alternative to breadcrumbs? ›

An All Natural Panko is quickly becoming the new favorite vegan breadcrumb in professional kitchens and not just because they are vegan and clean-label – they out preform standard breadcrumbs and can be used in a wide range of applications. Replacing standard breadcrumbs with All Natural Panko is an easy solution!

What is a dairy free substitute for bread crumbs? ›

Corn flakes, cereals, puffed rice

Cornflakes have a great texture, and you can easily buy unsweetened ones. Crush your cornflakes into small chunks, and you created the best breadcrumb substitute. You can even grind it down into a smoother mixture if you want to use it as a coating.

What can I use as a binder in meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs? ›

If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes!

What is a healthy substitute for panko bread crumbs? ›

Crushed Rice Cakes: Crushed rice cakes can be a good substitute, especially in recipes where you need a crunchy texture. They are naturally gluten-free and come in various flavors. Ground Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed can be used as a binding agent and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

What is a healthy alternative to panko bread crumbs? ›

Cornflakes or Bran Cereals

Their light and airy, but still crisp, texture makes them a good panko crumbs alternative. Most brands of plain cornflakes also happen to be gluten-free, so they'll work for anyone with a wheat sensitivity or Celiac disease.

Is panko healthier than bread crumbs? ›

Believe it or not, panko breadcrumbs are healthier than golden/natural breadcrumbs. That's right. Despite your parents' constant proselytising about crusts being the most nutritious part of the bread, crust-less panko breadcrumbs are lower in fat, salt and calories than regular breadcrumbs.

What is a healthy bread crumb substitute for meatloaf? ›

4. Ground Nuts: For an added touch of texture when substituting bread crumbs, consider ground nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans as an alternative. After finely chopping, swap the bread crumbs with an equal amount of ground nuts in your recipe. The result is a meatloaf boasting even richer flavors.

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