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 (like 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.
Other quick, versatile toppings that instantly zhoozh up a dish:
Easy Chicken Salt
Homemade Chilli Oil
Basil Pesto
Easy Hot Honey Sauce
Crispy Panko Breadcrumb Topping
Golden, buttery, crunchy panko breadcrumbs that add instant flavour and texture. Crispy Panko Breadcrumb Topping is ready in minutes, endlessly versatile and meal-prep friendly.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ½ cup (enough to top 4 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup (30 g) 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.
Notes
Note 1 – This recipe is ideal made with panko breadcrumbs. Their odd shapes make this topping textural and delicious. However, you could also use regular breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs made from day-old bread or sourdough. However, the texture will be less crunchy.
MAKE AHEAD
Can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
LEFTOVERS
See the make ahead instructions above for storage. Re-crisp in a dry frying pan over medium–low heat for 1–2 minutes before using. Not suitable to freeze.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sides, Sauces and Dressings
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Modern Australian
