Abstract: A method of preparing yeast-leavened bread crumbs suitable for use in a stuffing mix. A fully developed bread dough which has a generally low water content of not more than 60% based on flour weight, is sheeted and baked in sheet form. The dough sheet has a thickness of 1/4 to 3/4 inches. Proofing of the dough is limited to provide a baked sheet having a density of from 17 to 36 pounds per cubic feet. After cooling, the baked bread sheet is subjected to staling for a maximum of ten hours. The staled sheet is then divided into bread crumbs. The entire process, after providing the developed dough, is preferably carried out in not more than twelve hours. The short processing time is largely attributable to the relatively short staling period.

Abstract: This invention prepares a fully cooked extruded flour-based product with a texture, aerated structure, cohesiveness, appearance and rehydration characteristics of a fully baked flour-based product by: feeding a flour, a gas forming agent, and water into an extruder in amounts effective to prepare a dough having a moisture content within the range of 20 to 40%; mixing and kneading the flour and water to prepare a homogeneous dough; and extruding the dough while subjecting the dough within the extruder to cooking temperatures within the range of 140.degree. F. to 250.degree. F. (60.degree. C. to 120.degree. C.) while under pressures and low shear conditions and for a period of time effective to set the protein and to partially gelatinize the starch in the flour while maintaining the starch granule integrity.