Pangrattato is one of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade a pasta dish. Often called “poor man’s parmesan”, it’s made by toasting breadcrumbs in olive oil until golden and crisp, adding a salty crunch that transforms even the simplest meals. While it’s traditionally made from stale bread, this version uses panko breadcrumbs for ease, giving you that same light, crispy texture without any prep.
I was introduced to using panko on pasta by the wonderful Meryl from Pasta Social Club. I’d never really used breadcrumbs on pasta before, as saving stale bread, toasting it and blitzing it always felt like too much admin. Panko, which are Japanese breadcrumbs and easy to find at any grocery store, toast up perfectly in olive oil with hardly any prep. I now use them constantly, including as a topping for pasta bakes.
In these photos I’ve used them on top of my simple white pasta sauce, where they add the perfect texture and crunch. I also love them on something like my broccoli pasta to bring a punch of salt and extra flavor. You can really add whatever you like into the crumbs too, from herbs and red pepper flakes to lemon zest, so it’s easy to make them your own.
Main ingredients
Panko breadcrumbs - These are Japanese style breadcrumbs that are light and flaky, giving pangrattato its signature crisp texture. They’re easy to find at most grocery stores and mean you don’t need to make your own from stale bread.
Olive oil - Use a good quality olive oil as it flavors the crumbs as they toast. You don’t need anything fancy, just something you enjoy the taste of.
Fresh garlic cloves - Adds a savory depth and richness. Finely chop or grate it for the best flavor.
Herbs - Totally flexible. Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can use thyme, sage or whatever you have on hand.
Lemon zest - Adds a fresh, zingy lift. It’s optional but highly recommended, especially for heavier pasta dishes.
Red pepper flakes - Optional, but a great way to add a little heat. Adjust to your taste.
How to make pangrattato
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and a generous pinch of salt, mixing well to coat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally at first, until they begin to turn golden, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and continue cooking, stirring more frequently, until deeply golden and crisp, 2–3 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir through the herbs and lemon zest. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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A few tips
- Keep the panko moving in the pan, they can brown quite quickly so stirring around the pan keeps the color even.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes in the final stage of cooking so they don't burn.
- Play around with the herbs. Italian parsley is lovely and fresh or use a combination. Thyme and rosemary work really well.
Some other pasta toppings to try
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Recipe
Crispy Pangrattato with Panko
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped or minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs finely chopped (see notes)
- zest of half a small lemon (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs along with a generous pinch of salt, stirring well so the crumbs are evenly coated in the oil.
- Let them cook, stirring, until they start to turn golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), then continue cooking, stirring more frequently, until the crumbs are evenly toasted and deeply golden and crisp, another 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat if they are browning too quickly.
- Remove from the heat and stir through the herbs and lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
- If not using straight away, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Notes
Hi, I'm Emilie
I've spent years testing pasta doughs, sauces, and weeknight favorites so you don't have to. Everything on The Burnt Butter Table is designed to be simple, comforting, and unbelievably delicious.
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