A golden, buttery panko crumb that adds crunch to almost anything – salads, pasta, soups, tacos, veggies, seafood and even dips!
This is one of those little extras that makes a recipe feel special without adding much effort. A handful of panko breadcrumbs toasted with butter (or olive oil) and a pinch of salt, turns into a golden, crunchy topping that takes just minutes. I stir through a little parmesan at the end for extra flavour.
Once you’ve made Crispy Panko Breadcrumb Topping, you’ll find yourself sprinkling it on everything – over caesar salads, my Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos, pasta dishes, roasted veggies, soups, salads or even baked fish. It’s a fast, budget-friendly way to add crunch and flavour, and a great way to dress up weeknight meals.
How can I use it?
Honestly, this little sprinkle works just about anywhere you want extra crunch and flavour. Some of my favourite ways to use it:
- Salads – Over a classic caesar salad, Roasted Cauliflower Salad, a simple Green Leafy Salad, Tomato and Burrata Salad, BLAT Pasta Salad, Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad or Roast Pumpkin, Feta Salad and Candied Walnut Salad.
- Pasta – Sprinkle over creamy pasta dishes like Chicken Boscaiola Pasta, Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne, Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo or even a simple Garlic Butter Prawn (Shrimp) Linguine.
- Soups – A handful on top of Toasty Roasted Pumpkin Soup gives you that same satisfaction as dunking bread or croutons (but with less effort).
- Veggies – Toss roasted broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, roasted tomatoes or zucchini (courgettes) with a spoonful before serving – instant flavour upgrade.
- Seafood – Scatter over baked fish or prawns (shrimp) to mimic that crunchy breadcrumb crust, without the fuss.
- Breakfast and snacks – Sprinkle on top of avocado toast, smoked salmon or even eggs.
- Entertaining – Use it as a topping for dips like hummus, baba ganoush or whipped feta, or sprinkled over grilled veggies like asparagus or green beans – it makes them look and taste restaurant-worthy.
It’s one of those “finishing touches” that takes a good recipe and makes it feel great, with just a few extra minutes at the stove.
If you enjoyed Crispy Panko Breadcrumb Topping, I think you’ll love:
Easy Chicken Salt Recipe
Homemade Chilli Oil Recipe
Basil Pesto Recipe
Easy Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
Crispy Panko Breadcrumb Topping
Share PrintIngredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 30 g (½ cup) panko breadcrumbs (see note 1 for other breadcrumb types)
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium–low heat. Add the panko and the salt and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Set aside on a plate to cool before using.
Nutrition information
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
