Pangrattato (Crispy Italian Breadcrumbs)

5 from 30 votes

Pangrattato (Crispy Italian Breadcrumbs)

Pangrattato, is easy to make and is often referred to as a "poor man's parmesan," and can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of many of your favorite dishes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: condiment

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Calories: 186kcal

Author: Chef Ryan Littley

Equipment

Ingredients

7 ounces stale bread about 6 slices (white bread or Italian bread without seeds)
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian parsley finely chopped
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon table salt

Instructions

Tear the bread into small chunks and then use a food processor to reduce to coarse breadcrumbs.
Mince or grate garlic.
Combine oil and garlic in a frying pan. Place over low heat just until the oil begins to warm and the garlic is fragrant. The garlic shouldn’t fry.
Add the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh rosemary, oregano and salt. Stir well to coat in the garlicky oil.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir all the time not letting the breadcrumbs burn.
After 5 minutes add the parsley. Continue to stir over medium-high heat until golden brown. It’ll take between 10-15 minutes in total.
Remove from the heat and immediately tip onto a baking sheet to cool.
Serve on top of buttered linguine (look at Jamie Olivers recipe) or on top of green beans or asparagus.
Get a picture of the crumbs in a bowl overhead and half.

Notes

Can I change up the recipe?

Absolutely! Here are a few of my favorite variations.

- Herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme, oregano, parsley, or basil.

- Spices: Add red pepper, chili flakes, or cracked black pepper.

- Anchovy: Melt anchovy fillets into the oil for a fish recipe.

- Cheese: Add parmesan for a salt umami quality.

- Infused Oil: Use flavored oils like lemon, orange, chili, truffle, or herb oil.

- Citrus: Add zest of lemon, orange, or lime.

- Nuts: Include chopped almonds, pinenuts, or walnuts. Add nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

What type of bread should I use to make Pangrattato?

I used Italian bread to make my pangrattato, but you can also use plain white bread, French baguettes, rolls, sourdough, rye, whole grain bread, or just about any of your favorite types of bread.

Use gluten-free bread to make a gluten-free version of these delicious

Chef Tips

Use day-old stale bread or dry out fresh bread in a low oven for 5 minutes.

Stir constantly while frying to prevent burning.

Let cool to room temperature before storing to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition