Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

This crispy breadcrumb topping comes together in about 10 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients. It’s the easiest way to add crunchy, salty, nutty flavor to salads, soups, and creamy dips.

Easy Crispy Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

• Ready in about 10 minutes with just one pan and minimal prep.
• Golden, crunchy, nutty, and perfectly seasoned. You will not believe how it instantly levels up any dish.

Ingredients For Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that light, airy crunch that toasts up beautifully. Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but they won’t be quite as crispy.
• Finely Chopped Pistachios: Add a subtle buttery flavor and extra crunch. You could swap in walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• Olive Oil: Helps the topping toast evenly and develop a rich flavor. Melted butter can be used instead if you like, but keep a close eye on it as butter has a lower smoke point and will start to brown if it cooks too long.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory backbone without overpowering the topping. You could use onion powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of Italian seasoning instead.
• Salt + Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and balances the nuttiness.

How to Make Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the panko breadcrumbs, chopped pistachios, and a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil.

Toss everything together.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the panko turns a deep golden brown. Keep a close eye on it. Things can go from perfectly toasted to burnt pretty quickly. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and stir to evenly distribute.

Transfer the topping to a plate to cool completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle generously over salads, soups, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or creamy casseroles.

Tips for Making Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

• Keep the heat at medium-low to low so the nuts don’t burn before the breadcrumbs toast.
• Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
• Let the topping cool fully before storing. It will crisp up a bit more as it cools.
• Want extra flavor? Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan right at the end of cooking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can make this topping a couple days in advance.
• Once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover crispy breadcrumb topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If it loses some crunch, simply re-toast it in a dry skillet over low heat for a minute or two until crisp again.

Serving Suggestions

• winter pasta salad
• creamy cauliflower + carrot soup
• kale Caesar pasta salad
• feta and roasted beet soup
• creamy tomato basil soup
• crock pot mac and cheese

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