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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipes » Vegetarian

    Pangrattato (Crispy Breadcrumbs)

    Published: Feb 16, 2024 · Modified: Mar 6, 2024 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain paid links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    Crispy breadcrumbs Pinterest pin.

    Pangrattato (Crispy Breadcrumbs) add the perfect crunch to pasta, salads, soups, and more in under 5 minutes. Just add the breadcrumbs to a pan, toast, customize with your favorite herbs and mix-ins, then enjoy!

    Herbed pangrattato in a pan with an Italian wooden spoon holding a scoop of crispy breadcrumbs.

    Pangrattato are our favorite topping for many dishes -- from pastas, like our French Onion Pasta and Boursin Pasta, to vegetables and salads, like roasted asparagus with parmesan and pear and prosciutto arugula salad. The crispy breadcrumbs, or pangrattato in Italian, make a crunchy counterpoint to al dente pasta, tender protein, eggs, and more.

    Looking for other delicious crunchy toppings? Check out our frico crisps for a cheesy sharp crunch.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Crispy Breadcrumbs
    • Key Ingredients
    • Substitutions/Variations
    • How to Make Pangrattato
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Cooking Tips
    • Related Recipes
    • Did You Like This Recipe?
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love These Crispy Breadcrumbs

    • Taste - These crispy breadcrumbs have a light and herby flavor.
    • Texture - The pangrattato are perfectly crunchy.
    • Effort - This recipe is super simple. All you need to do is heat the olive oil, cook the breadcrumbs, then add them to your favorite dishes.
    • Time - It takes just a couple minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.

    Key Ingredients

    Pangrattato ingredients, breadcrumbs, olive oil, herbs, kosher salt.
    • Breadcrumbs - You can use regular breadcrumbs or even panko.
    • Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil is a rich fat to toast the breadcrumbs in.
    • Freshly cracked black pepper - Pepper adds a little spice.
    • Herbs - Our favorite herbs to use are thyme, parsley, and rosemary.

    Substitutions/Variations

    • Breadcrumbs mix - Use a mix of breadcrumbs for more variety and flavor. Some ideas include panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, sourdough breadcrumbs, and more.
    • Make your own - Have leftover stale bread? Toast the sliced bread and make your own homemade breadcrumbs with a food processor!
    • Garlic powder - Sprinkle some garlic powder to add the quintessential aroma to the pangrattato.
    • Spicy - Add chili flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
    • Cheese - Once the pangrattato cools and you have transferred it to a bowl, stir in a hard cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano for some sharpness.

    How to Make Pangrattato

    Steps to make pangrattato, toss olive oil and breadcrumbs in a hot pan, stir and toast, then toss with herbs and salt.
    • Toast - In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and breadcrumbs. Stir to evenly coat and cook the breadcrumbs. (Photo 1 and 2)
    • Season - Once the breadcrumbs begin to turn golden, after 2-4 minutes, stir in the herbs and season with kosher salt. (Photo 3)
    • Serve - Once all of the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl to stop cooking, or immediately use as a topping on pasta, salads, soups, and more. (Photo 4)

    Pro tip - Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs the entire time you cook them. Due to their small volume, they can easily go from golden brown to burnt very quickly, especially if the pan retains a lot of heat.

    Recipe FAQs

    How is pangrattato different than regular breadcrumbs?

    Pangrattato are breadcrumbs that are seasoned with herbs and cooked on the stove to make them crispy.

    What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

    Any breadcrumbs will work for this recipe. You can also use panko (Japanese breadcrumbs).

    How do I prevent soggy breadcrumbs?

    In order to prevent soggy breadcrumbs, make sure they cool completely before using or storing them.

    How do I store crispy breadcrumbs?

    Store leftover breadcrumbs in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When you are ready to enjoy the crispy breadcrumbs, just wait for them to get to room temperature then enjoy!

    Cooking Tips

    • Cook on medium or medium-low heat to ensure the pangrattato does not burn.
    • Stir frequently to circulate the breadcrumbs so they brown evenly.
    • Use high-quality olive oil so the flavor and richness comes through.

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    Did You Like This Recipe?

    Love this easy breadcrumbs recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card & consider leaving a comment below. Thanks!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you make this pangrattato, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see your homemade creation!

    📖 Recipe

    Herbed pangrattato in a pan with an Italian wooden spoon holding a scoop of crispy breadcrumbs.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Pangrattato (Crispy Breadcrumbs)

    Pangrattato (Crispy Breadcrumbs) add the perfect crunch to pasta, salads, soups and more in under 5 minutes. Just add the breadcrumbs to a pan, toast, customize with your favorite herbs and mix-ins, then enjoy!
    Prep Time2 minutes mins
    Cook Time4 minutes mins
    Total Time6 minutes mins
    Course: Toppings
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 0.5 cups
    Calories: 497kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Equipment

    • 1 mixing bowl
    • 1 whisk
    • 1 frying pan

    Ingredients 

    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • ½ cup breadcrumbs
    • 1 teaspoon finely chopped herbs of choice such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, and more
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Toast - In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and breadcrumbs. Stir to evenly coat and cook the breadcrumbs.
      1 teaspoon olive oil, ½ cup breadcrumbs
    • Season - Once the breadcrumbs begin to turn golden, after 2-4 minutes, stir in the herbs and season with kosher salt.
      1 teaspoon finely chopped herbs of choice, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Serve - Once all of the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl to stop cooking, or immediately use as a topping on pasta, salads, soups, and more.

    Notes

    Cooking Tips
    • Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs while they cook. They can easily go from golden brown to burnt very quickly, especially if the pan retains a lot of heat.
    • Cook on medium or medium-low heat to ensure the pangrattato doesn't burn.
    • Stir frequently to circulate the breadcrumbs so they brown evenly.
    • Use high-quality olive oil so the flavor and richness comes through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1953mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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