Toasted Breadcrumbs for Pasta
There’s something slightly better than grated cheese for your pasta, and that’s sprinkling crunchy, toasted, seasoned breadcrumbs on top. It’s another one of those ancient, backyard cooking tricks that come from la cucina povera. Making it takes no time at all, allowing you to enjoy it for far longer in full satisfaction.
How did toasted breadcrumbs on pasta become a thing?
It was always a thing, especially for poor farmers who didn’t have access to sheep or milk to make their own cheese. Even if they did, the dairy and cheese was often sold rather than consumed. But breadcrumbs? This was essentially the free leftovers from their daily bread. They can be dried and stored for future use, making use of the stale bread so that they can stretch another meal.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
For ultimate convenience, buy pre-seasoned breadcrumbs from the market. If you have your own bread on hand, be sure it is dried out before using. You can either wait for the bread to become slightly stale or dry it out in slices in a low oven. To season your own breadcrumbs, add in a sprinkling of dried basil, parsley, ground garlic, salt, and pepper.
How should I toast the breadcrumbs?
All you need is olive oil and a pan. Because the olive oil is key, use the best and freshest oliv eoil you have. Simply heat a pan on low, add the breadcrumbs, and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Stir the breadcrumbs around so that they mix in with the olive oil. Stir consistently to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
How do I know the breadcrumbs are toasted enough?
First, you will smell it – the aroma is breathtaking. It will smell like fresh toasted bread from the oven. Second, you will notice the color. The breadcrumbs should be medium brown, but not black. It is important to keep the heat on low because once the breadcrumbs start to toast, they will be done very quickly.
How do I serve the breadcrumbs with pasta?
Two ways. The first way is to incorporate it while tossing the pasta. This is a good way to add another flavor to light sauces or a primavera dish. The second way is to have each person sprinkle it over their pasta bowl, much like they would do with grated cheese. This method gives the ultimate crunch effect.
Watch how I add breadcrumbs to the pasta dish below, right from the timestamp!
Toasted Breadcrumbs for Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (pre-seasoned or season your own)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a pan over low heat.
- Add in the breadcrumbs in one even layer.
- Drizzle the olive oil on top. Stir consistently.
- Continue stirring the breadcrumbs until medium to dark brown in color and you smell the aroma of fresh toasted bread.
- When done, turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl for serving. Enjoy!
Have you ever had toasted breadcrumbs with your pasta? Share Below!
