How to make crispy bread cutlets?

If you’re craving something crispy, comforting, and quick to make with pantry staples, bread cutlets are the answer. Golden on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, these cutlets are perfect as tea-time snacks, party appetizers, or even light dinners when paired with chutney or salad. The best part? No fancy ingredients or elaborate prep—just leftover bread, veggies, and a handful of spices.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfectly crispy bread cutlets at home, with step-by-step instructions, pro tips for texture and taste, optional variations, and ideas to serve them with flair.

Why Bread Cutlets?

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes

• Budget-friendly: Uses basic ingredients already in your kitchen

• Customizable: Adjust spices, add cheese or paneer, or make it vegan

• Perfectly crispy: Crunchy outside, soft and spiced inside

• Kid-friendly: A great way to sneak in vegetables

Ingredients for Bread Cutlets (Makes 8–10 cutlets)

• 6 slices of bread (white, brown, or multigrain)

• 2 boiled potatoes (medium-sized)

• ½ cup finely chopped carrots

• ¼ cup boiled green peas

• 1 green chili (finely chopped)

• ½ tsp grated ginger

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp chaat masala

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp cornflour or rice flour (for binding)

• 1–2 tbsp water (only if needed)

• Bread crumbs (for coating)

• Oil for shallow or deep frying

Optional Add-ons

• Grated cheese or paneer

• Finely chopped onions

• Boiled sweet corn or beetroot for color

How to Make Crispy Bread Cutlets at Home

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut the edges off the bread slices and soak them in water for 3–4 seconds. Squeeze out the excess water completely and place the soggy bread in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Cutlet Mixture

To the bowl, add mashed boiled potatoes, chopped vegetables, green chili, ginger, coriander, spices, lemon juice, and cornflour. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, dough-like mixture. If the mix feels too soft, add more breadcrumbs or a spoon of rice flour for binding.

Step 3: Shape the Cutlets

Divide the mixture into equal portions. Roll them into balls and flatten them into oval or round cutlet shapes. For extra crunch, roll each shaped cutlet in dry breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Fry the Cutlets

Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. You can either deep fry or shallow fry depending on your preference.

• For shallow frying: Add 2–3 tablespoons of oil to a non-stick pan and cook the cutlets until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

• For deep frying: Heat enough oil in a kadai and fry in batches until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once fried, place the cutlets on a kitchen towel or tissue to drain excess oil. Serve hot with green chutney, ketchup, or yogurt dip.

Nutritional Table (Per 2 Medium-Sized Cutlets – Approximate)

Note: Values will vary depending on bread type, quantity of oil used, and add-ons like cheese.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Use rice flour or cornflour in the mix to add crunch

• Always coat with dry breadcrumbs before frying

• Chill the shaped cutlets in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before frying to help them hold shape better

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in small batches

• Use day-old bread for better texture

Variations to Try

1. Cheese-Stuffed Bread Cutlets

Place a cube of cheese inside each cutlet for a gooey center.

2. Paneer Bread Cutlets

Mix grated paneer into the dough for a protein boost.

3. Air-Fried or Baked Cutlets

Brush the shaped cutlets with oil and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes or air-fry for a low-oil version.

4. South Indian Style

Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and grated coconut to the mix for a regional twist.

5. Vegan Version

Skip dairy completely and use vegan bread. Replace cheese with mashed tofu or vegan mayo.

Best Chutneys & Dips to Pair With Bread Cutlets

• Mint coriander chutney

• Tamarind-date chutney

• Spiced curd dip with roasted cumin and black salt

• Garlic mayo or chipotle dip for a modern touch

• Sweet chili sauce or sriracha for a spicy finish

When and How to Serve

• As an evening snack with tea or coffee

• In kids' tiffin boxes with ketchup

• At parties with skewers and dips

• As a light dinner with soup or salad

• Inside sandwiches or burgers for a creative twist

Summary

Making crispy bread cutlets at home is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to transform everyday ingredients into a delicious treat. With a soft, spiced filling and golden, crunchy exterior, these cutlets offer everything you want in a satisfying snack.

They’re budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you shallow fry, air-fry, or bake them, they turn out delicious every time when made right. Serve them hot, crisp, and with your favorite dip—and you’ve got comfort food that works for any occasion.