Can I use fresh garlic instead?

Yes! Sauté fresh minced garlic cloves (or a thinly sliced garlic clove) in the melted butter over medium low heat until fragrant, then add bread crumbs and toast normally. If you use fresh garlic, we recommend refrigerating leftover bread crumbs and reheating as needed.

Can I use homemade breadcrumbs?

Yes! We like to chop leftover bread slices into crumbs with a food processor, then let the fresh bread crumbs dry completely on a sheet pan on the counter (this process can take a day or two). You can also bake homemade bread crumbs at a low temperature to crisp them up faster. Homemade breadcrumbs have lots of texture and size variation, making them very similar to the store bought panko breadcrumbs we recommend here (also called Japanese breadcrumbs).

What other mix-ins can I add to these breadcrumbs?

We love adding mix-ins like fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil), lemon or lime zest, or grated parmesan cheese to these breadcrumbs after they're toasted. The heat from toasted breadcrumbs can wilt fresh herbs and melt grated cheese, so we find it's best to let the crumbs cool completely before adding fresh elements. If you add fresh mix-ins like herbs or cheese (as opposed to dried herbs and spices), be sure to store breadcrumbs in the fridge instead of on the counter. Alternatively, you can store plain toasted garlic breadcrumbs on the counter as directed and stir in any fresh ingredients just before serving,

5 Minute Garlic Toasted Breadcrumbs

Name: Garlic Toasted Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Description

These quick, crispy garlic toasted breadcrumbs are perfect for meal prep! Keep a batch on the counter and use them as a topping for pastas, salads, grain bowls, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
Toast, stirring frequently, for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Note: This process will move quickly. Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs, stir them frequently for even browning, and remember that they will continue to darken in the hot pan even once the heat is off.

Notes

Additions and Substitutions. Add additional dried herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning) or spices (cayenne, cumin, onion powder, red pepper flakes) to these bread crumbs for additional flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter. Omit the black pepper if you prefer.

Storage. Let breadcrumbs cool completely, then store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days (if you use olive oil instead of butter, toasted breadcrumbs will keep on the counter for a week or more). You can store breadcrumbs in the fridge or freezer for several weeks, but they won't stay as crispy: Toast refrigerated or frozen breadcrumbs in a hot skillet for a minute or two to crisp them back up when you're ready to use them.