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) (5)

Step 3. Transfer the baked chickpeas to the canister of a food processor.

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

What is a vegan substitute for bread crumbs? ›

Here are 7 alternatives, from the 0-carb to the vegan-friendly to the last-minute “less bad” solution.
  • Coconut flakes: for crunchy coatings. ...
  • Almond meal or almond flour: as a binder/thickener or coating. ...
  • Coconut flour: as a binder/thickener or coating. ...
  • Pork cracklings/pork rinds: as a coating or topping.
Feb 27, 2023

Are chick peas grain free? ›

Chickpeas are a legume, not a grain and they do not contain gluten. Foods processed in plants that also process the above grains into flour, may be contaminated with gluten.

How do you stop gas after eating chickpeas? ›

04/4​How to reduce the bloating effect of chickpeas

The best way to secure the release of oligosaccharides from chickpeas is to soak the legumes overnight. This significantly reduces the components of the sugar, thus reducing the discomforting and gas-causing effect of oligosaccharides.

Is chickpea flour just ground chickpeas? ›

Chickpea flour is known as garam flour or garbanzo bean flour and it is made by grinding dried chickpeas. A staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, chickpea flour is commonly found in Asian and Middle Eastern groceries, but you can also make it yourself at home with a spice grinder or coffee grinder.

What is a vegan binding agent for breading? ›

Chia seeds work great as a binder in recipes that require binding such as meatballs, meatloaf, and burgers. If you wish to use them in frying recipes, you should mix them with water to replace the eggs. Make sure that you don't add too much water to the chia seeds, and stir the mixture thoroughly to avoid clumping.

What is a non wheat substitute for bread crumbs? ›

Try using almond flour or almond meal for an altogether nuttier and coarser gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs. This breadcrumb alternative is great for both binding and achieving a really crispy coating.

Is chickpea a legume or grain? ›

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. The most common type has a round shape and a beige color, but other varieties are black, green, or red. Their nutrients have various health benefits. Researchers believe chickpeas may have originated in the Levant and ancient Egypt.

Is chickpea a seed or grain? ›

Chickpeas, like other peas and beans, are part of the plant family known as legumes. Technically, a chickpea is a pulse, the edible seed inside the pod of a legume plant.

Are chickpeas a grain or vegetable? ›

Answer. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans are a very healthy food. They are part of the legume family which counts as a vegetable and protein food. Chickpeas are loaded with fiber needed for a healthy heart and gut.

Is chickpeas bad for IBS? ›

High FODMAP foods that you should avoid include:

Fructans: Rye and Wheat, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, onions, garlic. Galactans: Legumes, such as beans (including baked beans), lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans.

What are the side effects of chickpeas? ›

5 side effects of eating chickpeas
  • Allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to legumes, including chickpeas. ...
  • Gastrointestinal problems. Gastrointestinal issues after eating legumes are quite common. ...
  • Interference with medications. ...
  • Uric acid accumulation. ...
  • Kidney stones formation.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating chickpeas? ›

Chickpea intolerance. Even if you don't suffer from chickpea allergy, you may experience symptoms because of chickpea intolerance. Chickpeas intolerance arises when we lack the enzyme required to digest it. This leads to fermentation in the large intestines and gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and stomach ache.

What is the difference between garbanzo flour and chickpea? ›

Besan flour, gram flour, and garbanzo bean flour are all chickpea flours; they're just made from different varieties of chickpeas. Chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour is milled using whole white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Besan or gram flour is made by grinding split brown chickpeas (chana dal) into a fine powder.

What is the difference between chickpea and chickpea flour? ›

In any case, one version of chickpea is flour is made by grinding the chana dal into a fine powder. This is the version known as besan or gram flour. The other version is made by grinding up dried kabuli chickpeas, the common tan-colored ones, to make a flour. This is also called chickpea flour.

Are garbanzo beans the same as chickpeas? ›

The name chickpea comes from the Latin word cicer, referring to the plant family of legumes, Fabaceae. It is also known by its popular Spanish-derived name, the garbanzo bean. Kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, and peanuts are other familiar foods found in this legume family.

What is a vegan substitute for panko bread crumbs? ›

These can be used as a direct substitute for Panko breadcrumbs in most recipes. Almond Meal or Almond Flour: Ground almonds, often referred to as almond meal or almond flour, can add a pleasant nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to your dishes. They work well as a coating for fried or baked foods.

How to make something crunchy without breadcrumbs? ›

Go with a Grain

Puffed quinoa is a great sub for breadcrumbs to create satisfying, crunchy food, says Becker. "Set up three bowls: ground puffed quinoa, raw scrambled eggs, and puffed quinoa. Plunge chicken, fish, or veggies into the ground puffed quinoa, then the egg, then the puffed quinoa, and sear or bake.

How do vegans breadcrumb without eggs? ›

Some common substitutes include:
  1. Flax Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
  2. Chia Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to form a gel-like consistency, then use it as a substitute for one egg.
Nov 21, 2023

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