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A bowl filled with golden, crispy stuffing topped with herbs, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and a few herb sprigs are visible nearby.

Magic Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs

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  • Author: Jess Larson
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Sauces & Condiments
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Pasta, soups, and salads love the delicate crunch of Crispy Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs!

Light, airy, and crisp, they add a magical finishing touch to any dish using just 3 pantry staple ingredients—no day-old bread needed. Simply toast flaky panko breadcrumbs on the stovetop with garlic powder or your favorite seasonings (6 variations included).

Trust me, once you learn how to toast breadcrumbs, you’ll be sprinkling them on everything. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs


Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. 
  2. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, stir in the breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs are fragrant, toasty, and beautifully golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.A small black skillet filled with panko breadcrumbs sits on a light gray countertop; the skillet handle is wrapped with a checkered cloth.A black skillet filled with golden brown toasted breadcrumbs sits on a light gray textured surface, with a gray cloth wrapped around the skillet handle.
  3. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl and set aside. Serve immediately, or cool and store in an airtight container. 


Notes

Variations:

  • Add finely chopped, hardy fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Dried herbs work well too, but they have a more concentrated flavor than fresh ones, so half the measurements. 
  • Use fresh garlic or garlic salt instead of garlic powder.
  • Add parmesan or pecorino romano for a nutty, savory twist
  • Grate in fresh lemon zest for a burst of brightness.
  • Spice the toasted breadcrumbs up with furikake or togarashi for umami-loaded, Japanese-inspired breadcrumbs (great with ramen!). 
  • Sprinkle Tajín for slightly spicy Mexican-style breadcrumbs on top of enchiladas or chilaquiles.