Fried Bread Crumbs

Transform humble day-old bread into a golden, garlicky delight with this easy Fried Bread Crumbs recipe. Perfectly crisped in a luscious blend of olive oil and butter, these rustic bread crumbs are elevated with finely minced garlic, a hint of salt and pepper, vibrant fresh parsley, and optional Parmesan for a savory finish. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a versatile topping that adds irresistible texture and flavor to pasta, salads, soups, or roasted vegetables. With minimal effort and pantry staples, this budget-friendly recipe breathes new life into leftover bread while delivering gourmet results.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups day-old bread (such as baguette or sourdough)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons optional grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Cut the day-old bread into small pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Avoid over-processing to keep the texture rustic.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling to combine and melt completely.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the bread crumbs, making sure they are evenly coated in the oil and butter mixture.

Step 5

Season the crumbs with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 7-8 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Step 7

Optional: If using, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese while the bread crumbs are still warm to let it melt slightly.

Step 8

Allow the fried bread crumbs to cool completely before using as a topping or storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	509.1 grams (509.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1413

Total Fat 30.10g	39%
Saturated Fat 11.20g	56%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 39mg	13%
Sodium 3081mg	134%
Total Carbohydrate 235.30g	86%
Dietary Fiber 13.20g	47%
Total Sugars 6.70g
Protein 46.90g	94%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 611mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.4%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 67.2%