Best Breadcrumbs Recipes

PASTA WITH TOMATOES, CAPERS, OLIVES AND BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the sliced garlic over medium-low heat in a medium saucepan or skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic turns golden, about two minutes. Do not let it take on any more color than this. Remove the garlic slices with a slotted spoon and discard, then add the bread crumbs to the pan. Turn the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until the bread crumbs are crisp. Remove from the heat, and set aside.
• Return the pan to medium heat, and add the remaining olive oil, the red pepper flakes and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells fragrant, and add the tomatoes, capers and olives. Bring to a simmer, and simmer until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the spaghetti. Cook al dente, following the cooking recommendations on the package but checking about a minute before the suggested time. Drain, and toss with the tomato sauce. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and parsley on top, toss again briefly and serve, passing the Parmesan at the table.

WOOD ROASTED SHAVED ASPARAGUS, PARMESAN, BREADCRUMBS AND LEMON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus lengthwise into strips (if using Brussel sprouts, use a knife or mandoline to shave the sprouts).
• In a large bowl, gently toss the shaved asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Pour the asparagus mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and loosely arrange a "nest." Roast until slightly browned and softened, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed bread and toss to coat in the olive oil. Allow the bread to toast evenly, tossing often, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the garlic to perfume the oil and bread. Remove the bread from the pan to a cutting board and roughly chop the bread pieces. Toss with the grated Parmesan and black pepper, to taste.
• Top the asparagus with the breadcrumbs. Garnish with more grated Parmesan.

ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, tossing to blend thoroughly.
• Store in an airtight container and use in any recipe calling for Italian breadcrumbs.

HOMEMADE ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Place all of the ingredients into a blender carafe, cover and pulse until coarse crumbs form, about 2 minutes. Spread the crumbs evenly on 2 half sheet pans and bake until the crumbs just begin to brown and are crisp, about 5 minutes. Cool the crumbs on the pans for 15 to 20 minutes, and then transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

CAJUN CRAB CAKES (NO BREADCRUMBS)

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the celery, bell pepper, green onion, carrot, and garlic. Continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes more.
• Season with 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, basil, pepper, dill weed, oregano, and thyme. Cook and stir until fragrant, 5 minutes more.
• Transfer cooked vegetables to a large bowl; allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Set skillet aside for later use.
• Stir the beaten eggs into the vegetables. Mix in the crabmeat and cracker crumbs with your hands, making sure not to break up the chunks of crab too much.
• Shape the crab mixture into 12 small cakes.
• Heat vegetable oil in the skillet over medium high heat.
• Pan-fry the crab cakes in batches until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes.
• To make dipping sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, chile-garlic sauce, 2 teaspoon Creole seasoning, 2 teaspoon parsley flakes, and paprika.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMONY BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle with oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until tender, 18 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a platter.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt.
• Top asparagus with breadcrumbs, and garnish with lemon.

TOASTED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
• Using tongs, place bread slices directly on oven racks. Leave in oven until hard and golden brown, about 30 minutes; darker if you prefer. Remove and cool on wire rack.
• Crumble slices into a large bowl until reduced to fine crumbs, or place in bowl of food processor and process until fine.

CREAMY VEGAN RED PEPPER PASTA WITH GARLIC BREAD BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Add breadcrumbs, half of the garlic, and ½ tsp. salt and cook, stirring constantly to incorporate the garlic, until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in parsley. Wipe out and reserve pot.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, according to package directions. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking liquid.
• Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in reserved pot over medium-high. Cook onion, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until slightly softened, 6-8 minutes. Add roasted red peppers, remaining garlic, and 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring often, until any liquid is evaporated and vegetables are combined and glossy looking, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are coated and paste is slightly darkened in color, about 5 minutes.
• Add beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to pot; season with black pepper. Cook, smashing beans and stirring to combine with spoon, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and gradually add reserved pasta cooking liquid (you might not need all of it), stirring and mashing as you go, until combined and sauce is thick. Remove from heat and immediately add pasta; toss to coat.
• Divide pasta among bowls; drizzle with a little oil and spoon breadcrumbs on top. Squeeze some lemon juice over if desired.

ROMAINE SALAD WITH BREADCRUMBS AND SIMPLE DRESSING

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a bunch of grinds of pepper (about 20 grinds) and cook, stirring constantly, until the crumbs are golden brown, about 5 minutes. It's important to stir the whole time to make sure that they do not burn--which will happen if they sit too long in the skillet untouched. Once golden, immediately transfer them to a plate to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
• Whisk the yogurt, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon zest and juice, garlic, 3 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and about 20 grinds of black pepper in a small bowl until smooth, creamy and combined.
• And add the romaine to a serving bowl. Sprinkle in 3/4 cup of the breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan and the dressing and toss until the lettuce is nicely coated. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top and serve immediately.

MARINATED AND STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS WITH PARMESAN-HERB BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Position an oven rack 4 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler to high.
• Whisk together 1/4 cup of the oil, the vinegar and mustard in a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Dip each mushroom cap in the marinade, turning to coat on all sides. Let the mushrooms sit in the marinade for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and saute until just beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the squash, zucchini and tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute until beginning to soften, 4 minutes.
• Mix together the panko, Parmesan and parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the mushrooms, cap-side down, until slightly charred, about 3 minutes per side. Wipe out the baking dish with a paper towel and return the mushrooms to the baking dish, cap-side down. Divide the sauteed vegetables among the mushroom caps. Cover the vegetables with the panko mixture, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and place under the broiler until browned, about 2 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

ASPARAGUS WITH BREADCRUMBS AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a food processor, process bread until coarse crumbs form. Transfer breadcrumbs to a small bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Add Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and stir with a fork to combine.
• Arrange asparagus in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Top with breadcrumb mixture and bake until breadcrumbs are golden brown and asparagus is tender, 20 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus just before serving.

SCROD WITH HERBED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallots and cook 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs and stir until butter is absorbed. Remove from heat and add chives, parsley and lemon peel. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Butter baking pan and place fish in pan. Brush lemon juice over fish. Cover with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Bake until fish is just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

GRILLED SEA SCALLOP SKEWERS WITH CREAMY HOT PEPPER AND GARLIC VINAIGRETTE WITH TOASTED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Put the mayonnaise, cherry peppers, vinegar, 2 tablespoons parsley, mustard, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme and garlic in a blender. Season with salt and pepper and puree until fairly smooth. Set aside.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saute pan over high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until lightly golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon parsley and the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the grill for high heat direct grilling.
• Skewer 2 or 3 scallops onto 2 skewers so that the scallops lay flat. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the scallops until well caramelized on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 30 seconds or so. Remove to a platter, drizzle with the vinaigrette and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

BUTTERED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a small skillet over medium low heat. As soon as butter is melted and frothy, stir in breadcrumbs. Continue stirring until crumbs are evenly crisp and golden brown.
• If using any of the above mentioned variations add to the finshed buttered breadcrumbs.

ANCHOVY PASTA WITH GARLIC BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Very thinly slice 4 garlic cloves (a mandoline works great) and set aside. Pulse remaining 4 garlic cloves in a food processor until finely chopped. Add bread and lemon zest and pulse until coarse crumbs form; season with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Cook breadcrumb mixture, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer breadcrumb mixture with a slotted spoon to a small bowl.
• Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in same pot over medium-low. Cook reserved sliced garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden at edges, about 1 minute. Add anchovies and chiles and cook, stirring, until anchovies are dissolved, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 3 minutes less than package directions.
• Using tongs, transfer pasta to pot with sauce along with 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Cook, tossing often, until pasta is al dente. Add 3 Tbsp. pasta cooking liquid, then gradually add cheese, tossing until melted and emulsified. Remove from heat, add parsley, butter, and half of breadcrumb mixture and toss until combined and butter is melted. If pasta seems dry, add more pasta cooking liquid and oil and toss again. Season with salt and pepper, and more lemon juice if desired.
• Divide pasta among bowls. Top with remaining breadcrumb mixture.

ROASTED SWEET GARLIC AND THYME RISOTTO WITH TOASTED ALMONDS AND BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• For the basic risotto: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Roast the whole garlic heads on a dish in the oven until soft, about 30 minutes.
• Stage 1: Heat the stock. In a separate pan heat the olive oil, add the shallots or onions, garlic, and celery, and fry slowly for about 4 minutes. When the vegetables have softened, add the rice and turn up the heat.
• Stage 2: The rice will now begin to fry, so keep stirring it. After a minute it will look slightly translucent. Add the vermouth or wine and keep stirring, it will smell fantastic. Any harsh alcohol flavors will evaporate and leave the rice with a tasty essence.
• Stage 3: Once the vermouth or wine has cooked into the rice, add your first ladle of hot stock and a good pinch of salt. Separate the roasted garlic cloves and squeeze out the sweet insides into the risotto. Add the thyme and black pepper to the risotto. Turn down the heat to a highish simmer, so the rice doesn't cook too quickly on the outside. Keep adding ladles of stock.
• Stage 4: Remove from the heat and add the butter and Parmesan. Stir gently. Place a lid on the pan and allow to sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This is the most important part of making the risotto, as this is when it becomes outrageously creamy and oozy like it should be. Eat as soon as possible while the risotto retains its perfect texture. In a frying pan toast the almonds and bread crumbs in a little olive oil until crisp and golden. Season with a little salt. Set to one side. Serve the risotto with the toasted almonds and bread crumbs sprinkled over the top. Lovely.

BAKED MASHED POTATOES WITH PEAS, PARMESAN CHEESE AND BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Set aside.
• For the potatoes: In a large saucepan, combine the butter, salt and potatoes. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until the potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the same pot. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Mix in the mozzarella, milk, Parmesan and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish.
• For the peas: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thawed peas and cook until heated through. Add the salt and pepper.
• Using a large spoon, make a 4-inch well in the center of the potatoes and fill with the cooked peas.
• For the topping: Stir the cheese and breadcrumbs in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mashed potatoes (can be prepared up to this point 6 hours ahead of time; cover and chill).
• Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake until the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

EGGPLANT ROLLATINI WITH ANCHOVY BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.
• Arrange the eggplant in an even layer on two sheet pans. Brush both sides with 6 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until lightly golden brown and very tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. (The eggplant can be cooked up to 1 day in advance, cooled and stored, covered, in the refrigerator.) Reduce the oven temperature to 375˚ F.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the tomatoes with their juices and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Crush the tomatoes with a potato masher. Add the chile paste and basil and cook the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Make the filling: Mix together the ricotta, egg, diced mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the Pecorino in a medium bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper and fold in the parsley and oregano.
• Ladle 1 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling over each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up and place them, seam-side down, in the baking dish. Once all the eggplant rolls are in the dish, ladle another cup of the sauce evenly over them and sprinkle the grated mozzarella and remaining 1/2 cup Pecorino over the top.
• Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted and turned lightly golden brown, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top and garnish with torn basil, if desired.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the anchovies and cook until dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Add the panko and spread into an even layer. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip the crumbs, press them into an even layer again and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes longer. Add the lemon zest and season with pepper and more salt, if desired.
• Spread on a large plate or sheet pan and let cool. Store, tightly covered, in a cool, dry place for 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a dry skillet over low heat before using.

ELBOW MACARONI WITH CRISPY BREADCRUMBS AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until they are crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes, taking care not to let them burn. Scrape into a small bowl and toss with the lemon zest and parsley and then season with salt.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente while you make the sauce. Wipe out the skillet used to toast the breadcrumbs and return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and, when the oil is hot, add the broccoli and toss to coat. Saute until it turns bright green, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute, then pour in the stock. Simmer until the broccoli is tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
• When the pasta is done, scoop it out of the water with a spider or a small strainer and add directly to the sauce, reserving the pasta water. Simmer the pasta with the sauce just to blend the flavors, 1 to 2 more minutes, then drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and toss again.
• If the sauce seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup pasta water. Off the heat, stir in the cheese. Serve in warmed bowls and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

PASTA WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, PARSLEY, AND BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Set a large pot of salted water to boil. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss cauliflower, onion, and garlic with 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast on lower rack until lightly browned and tender, 20 minutes, tossing once.
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine bread and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; pulse until coarse crumbs form. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake on upper rack until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes, tossing once.
• Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot. Add cauliflower mixture, Parmesan, and parsley; toss to combine. Tossing pasta, gradually add enough pasta water to form a thin sauce that coats pasta. Serve topped with breadcrumbs and, if desired, more Parmesan.