Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs
Let’s talk about the topping to beat all toppings. These toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs might be simple, but they’re my not-so-secret weapon for making everyday dishes really stand out. Pasta, salads, grain bowls, and pretty much anything gets better with a shower of crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs on top!
Garlic breadcrumbs are one of those things that feel almost too simple to be as good as they are. Learning how to make toasted garlic breadcrumbs is something I picked up early in culinary school, and once you know it, you start putting them on everything.
Creamy pastas, mac and cheese, and baked dishes are absolutely taken over the top with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. But honestly? I love them most on veggie-heavy grain bowls, where that savory, garlicky crunch adds balance and texture, especially paired with something fresh and creamy like my green goddess bowls!
Why You’ll Love This Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs Recipe
- Quick and easy. This garlic breadcrumbs recipe comes together in under 10 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples (4 ingredients, to be exact)!
- Big flavor, minimal effort. Garlic, olive oil, and salt are all you need for bold, savory flavor.
- Perfect crunchy topping. These crispy garlic breadcrumbs add texture to creamy, soft, or veggie-forward dishes.
- Versatile. Use them as a breadcrumb topping for pasta, salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
Crispy Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs Ingredients
- Olive oil: Helps toast the breadcrumbs evenly and adds richness. Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor!
- Panko breadcrumbs: Light, airy crumbs that get extra crispy when toasted.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Salt: For added flavor!
Garlic Breadcrumbs Variations & Substitutions
- Regular breadcrumbs: I think panko bread crumbs work best here. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they will toast faster and be more delicate instead of crunchy! Avoid any seasoned bread crumbs since that will throw off the flavor!
- Add herbs: Stir in dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning at the end, depending on what you are going to use the breadcrumb topping on.
- Cheesy version: Mix in finely grated Parmesan once the breadcrumbs have cooled slightly! Yum!
- Butter instead of oil: Swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor. If you are storing them for later, I would avoid butter though.
How to Make Garlic Breadcrumbs
For the full list of ingredients and instructions, click here.- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and salt, and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and toasted. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Lauren’s Top Tips for the Best Garlic Breadcrumbs
- Watch the garlic closely! Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat at medium and stir often. The process here goes quickly, so don’t walk away from the pan.
- Stir constantly. This helps the breadcrumbs toast evenly and prevents hot spots. You will know once the breadcrumbs are toasted enough as they will start to turn a gorgeous golden brown!
- Cool completely before storing. Letting the breadcrumbs cool keeps them crisp and prevents steaming!
Ways to Use Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle these crispy garlic toasted breadcrumbs over:
- Pasta
- Mac and cheese
- Risotto
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Grain bowls (like my Green Goddess Bowl or Pesto Chicken Bowls!)
Garlic Breadcrumbs FAQs
Store cooled garlic bread crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Yes! Toast garlic bread until very dry, then pulse it into crumbs and re-toast gently in a skillet to crisp them back up!
Absolutely! If you have stale bread on hand, you can toast the bread, pulse it into breadcrumbs, and use those to make your toasted garlic bread crumb topping!
More Favorites to Try
Like This Recipe?
Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and salt, and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and toasted. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Nutrition
Notes
Ways to Use Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle these crispy garlic toasted breadcrumbs over:- Pasta
- Mac and cheese
- Risotto
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Grain bowls (like my Green Goddess Bowl or Pesto Chicken Bowls!)
