The easiest way to take any dish to the next level is by finishing it off with crunchy, toasted breadcrumbs. These are my Easy Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs and they are perfect for adding to your favorite soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Did you know that crunchy, seasoned breadcrumbs are considered a staple in some Italian households? It’s true! Known as Pangrattato, these crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs are stored in the pantry and added to pastas and soups in order to elevate the flavor and texture. And the best part is – they’re so easy to make at home
All you need are some panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and 10 minutes of time in order to prep this recipe. Plus, you can always customize the flavor. A little parmesan cheese adds a delicious, cheesy touch, or some crushed red pepper flakes adds the perfect kick. No matter how you make this recipe, you can’t go wrong – in fact, you won’t be able to live without it!
The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
- 🫒 Olive Oil: Olive oil is filled with healthy fats, and helps ensure that these breadcrumbs turn a toasted, golden brown.
- 🍞 Panko Breadcrumbs: Of course, you’ll need breadcrumbs for this recipe! I love the taste of toasted panko breadcrumbs, however you can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs, if desired.
- 🧄 Garlic: I always recommend using fresh garlic, whenever possible, and this recipe is no exception.
- 🧂 Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: A little sea salt and ground black pepper adds the perfect flavor to these breadcrumbs. Sometimes, simple is best!
How to Make This Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
To make these breadcrumbs, start by heating a pan, on the stove, over medium-high heat, and add in the olive oil. Mash the garlic. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic into the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes, watching it carefully so that it doesn’t burn.
Once the edges of the garlic begin to brown, add in the panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine. Allow the breadcrumbs to cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they’re toasted and browned. Then, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool. Once the breadcrumbs are done, add them to your favorite recipes. Store them in an airtight jar, in the pantry, for up to one week, and enjoy!
Ways to Use These Perfect Garlic Breadcrumbs
These breadcrumbs are the perfect pantry staple to elevate any recipe! I love adding them to salads in place of croutons, like my Erewhon Kale White Bean Salad or my Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad.
Not feeling a salad? These croutons are also a delicious topping for your favorite soups! My Zesty Cauliflower Leek Soup and my Creamy No-Cream Tomato Soup both the perfect recipes to add these breadcrumbs to!
And in addition to soups and salads, these breadcrumbs are also perfect on top of your favorite pasta dishes. My Walnut Pesto Pasta is perfectly-paired with these breadcrumbs. And, I love swapping out the plain breadcrumbs in my Crispy Sheet Pan Chili Mac n’ Cheese with these Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs for a delicious twist!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- To make these breadcrumbs, start by heating a pan, on the stove, over medium-high heat, and add in the olive oil.
- Mash the garlic. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic into the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes, watching it carefully so that it doesn't burn.
- Once the edges of the garlic begin to brown, add in the panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Allow the breadcrumbs to cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they're toasted and browned. Then, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool.
- Once the breadcrumbs are done, add them to your favorite recipes. Store them in an airtight jar, in the pantry, for up to one week, and enjoy!
Rate & review
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