I’ve lengthy believed that the key to creating on a regular basis meals really feel particular usually comes all the way down to these little ending touches—and this straightforward recipe from Giada De Laurentiis’ new cookbook Tremendous Italian is a type of golden gems I’ll now carry on repeat.
These Garlicky Crunchy Panko Breadcrumbs are the very first recipe within the guide—and for good cause.
I made a batch final week, and every part Giada guarantees is true: they add essentially the most irresistible crunch and savory depth to nearly something—soups, salads, pastas, roasted greens. I added them to a plate of crispy air fryer roasted inexperienced beans and was amazed at how they immediately elevated the dish. That vivid, garlicky, umami-rich crunch is completely addictive.
These breadcrumbs additionally play a starring function in most of the recipes all through Tremendous Italian, together with a mouthwatering Zucchini Parmesan I’ll be sharing quickly. However when you make them, I’ve a sense you’ll discover your personal scrumptious methods to make use of them too.

How Many Energy and WeightWatchers Factors in these Crunchy Garlicky Panko Breadcrumbs?
Based on my calculations, every 2-tablespoon serving has 53 energy.
To see your WW Factors for this recipe, monitor it within the WW App!
(You have to be logged into WW on a smartphone or pill.)
Recipe Elements
- Additional-virgin olive oil – Provides wealthy, fruity taste and helps crisp the breadcrumbs. Any impartial oil like avocado or grapeseed will work, however extra-virgin olive oil provides the perfect depth of taste.
- Garlic cloves, smashed and peeled – Infuses the oil with deep garlicky taste with out being overpowering.
- Crimson pepper flakes – Provides a delicate warmth that balances the richness of the breadcrumbs. Omit or scale back for much less warmth, or add extra for those who prefer it spicier.
- Anchovy fillets – Soften into the oil to create an umami-rich, savory base—no fishy style!
A teaspoon or two of anchovy paste would additionally work. For a vegetarian model, use a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for depth. - Plain panko bread crumbs – Japanese-style breadcrumbs that keep mild and crisp when toasted. Common breadcrumbs can work in a pinch however received’t be practically as crunchy.
- Grated lemon zest – Provides brightness and a touch of citrus to steadiness the savory flavors. Use a microplane for the best zest and keep away from the bitter white pith.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all of the flavors with out overpowering. I take advantage of Diamond Crystal model. If utilizing desk salt, scale back the quantity barely because it’s extra concentrated.
Make Garlicky Crunchy Breadcrumbs Step by Step

Step 1: Collect and prep your substances.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, warmth the olive oil and garlic cloves over medium warmth, stirring usually till the garlic turns golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Then, to extract most taste, press down on the garlic with a heatproof spatula for an additional minute or so. Take away the garlic cloves from the skillet and discard them.

Step 3: Add the purple pepper flakes and anchovy fillets to the oil within the skillet. Mash the anchovies along with your spatula till they fully dissolve into the oil.

Step 4: Stir within the panko breadcrumbs and cook dinner, stirring often at first, then extra ceaselessly, till golden and crisp—about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Take away the skillet from warmth. Add the lemon zest and salt to the pan. Stir till the combination is effectively mixed.

Step 6: Switch the breadcrumbs to a plate or bowl to chill fully, then retailer in a jar with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for as much as two weeks.
Recipe Notes
Make-Forward Pleasant: As soon as fully cooled, retailer the breadcrumbs in a clear, hermetic jar at room temperature. They’ll keep contemporary and crispy for as much as 2 weeks.
No Anchovies? No Downside. Don’t let anchovies scare you off—they soften into the oil and go away behind a wealthy, savory taste (not fishy!). However for those who favor to skip them, strive a small spoonful of white miso or a splash of soy sauce for umami depth.
Excellent Crunch Topper: These breadcrumbs are like a ending salt—only a pinch could make a dish pop. Strive them on soups, salads, roasted veggies, pasta, risotto, scrambled eggs, and even avocado toast.
Management the Warmth: Crimson pepper flakes add light heat. Be at liberty to dial it up or down based mostly in your desire.
Lemon Love: The zest provides brightness, however for those who don’t have a lemon, the breadcrumbs will nonetheless be scrumptious with out it—or strive a contact of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of contemporary herbs as an alternative.

Serving Recommendations
Upon getting a jar of those Garlicky Crunchy Panko Breadcrumbs available, you’ll need to sprinkle them on nearly every part. Listed below are a few of my favourite methods to make use of them:
- Crispy Topping for Roasted or Air-Fried Veggies
They’re superb on air fryer inexperienced beans (my go-to these days!), but in addition excellent for roasted broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. - On Sautéed or Steamed Greens
A spoonful takes easy sautéed kale, spinach, chard, or collard greens to the following stage. The breadcrumbs add a savory crunch that balances the earthiness of the greens superbly. - Pasta Finisher
Use as a last flourish on spaghetti, linguine, or baked pasta dishes. They’re particularly good on lighter oil-based sauces like aglio e olio, lemony shrimp pasta or this spaghetti squash made within the Instantaneous Pot. - Soup Garnish
Skip the croutons! A spoonful of those breadcrumbs provides texture and taste to creamy soups like tomato basil, butternut squash, or this simple 5-ingredient minestrone. - Salad Improve
Use instead of croutons on any inexperienced or grain-based salad. They add crunch with out heaviness. - Over Eggs
Strive them on scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or a veggie frittata for a connoisseur breakfast twist. - In Zucchini Parmesan (coming quickly!)
These breadcrumbs shine in Giada’s Zucchini Parmesan recipe, which I’ll be sharing right here quickly—don’t miss it!
Retailer leftovers
Retailer in a jar with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for as much as two weeks.
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For those who’ve made this Crunchy Garlicky Breadcrumbs, please give the recipe a star score under and go away a remark letting me know the way you preferred it. And keep in contact on Pinterest, Fb, Instagram and Twitter for the newest updates.

Garlicky Crunchy Panko Bread Crumbs
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Elements
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 giant cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 1/4 teaspoon purple pepper flakes
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Grated zest of 1 giant lemon (I used the zest of two small lemons)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
- Collect and prep your substances.
- In a medium skillet, warmth the olive oil and garlic cloves over medium warmth, stirring usually till the garlic turns golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Then, to extract most taste, press down on the garlic with a heatproof spatula for an additional minute or so. Take away the garlic cloves from the skillet and discard them.
- Add the purple pepper flakes and anchovy fillets to the oil within the skillet. Mash the anchovies along with your spatula till they fully dissolve into the oil.
- Stir within the panko breadcrumbs and cook dinner, stirring often at first, then extra ceaselessly, till golden and crisp—about 5 minutes.
- Take away the skillet from warmth. Add the lemon zest and salt to the pan. Stir till the combination is effectively mixed.
- Switch the breadcrumbs to a plate or bowl to chill fully, then retailer in a jar with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for as much as two weeks.
Notes
(Should be logged into WW on a smartphone or pill.) 2 PointsPlus (Outdated plan)
Vitamin
Recipe supply: Tremendous Italian. Greater than 110 Indulgent Recipes Utilizing Italy’s Healthiest Meals by Giada Dilaurentiis
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