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A small white bowl filled with golden brown, crispy pangrattato, with a spoon lifting some to show the texture. Fresh rosemary sprigs are placed on the rustic wooden background.
Callie Brooks

The Ultimate Pangrattato Recipe

Crispy Italian pangrattato made from stale bread toasted in garlicky olive oil with fresh herbs. Perfect as a topping for pasta, soups, risotto, vegetables, fish, or chicken.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Condiment, Italian, Topping
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups stale bread cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 whole garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. 1. Cut stale bread into chunks and pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs form.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add whole garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, then remove garlic before browning.
  3. 3. Add breadcrumbs to the pan, stirring to coat in the garlic oil.
  4. 4. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, cheese, or other flavorings of choice.
  6. 6. Spread pangrattato on a plate to cool completely before storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tbspCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1.5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 150mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5g

Notes

Use stale bread for best results. Fresh bread can be dried in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before processing.
Store pangrattato without cheese at room temperature for up to 2 weeks; with cheese, refrigerate and use within 1 week.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months; re-toast before serving for best texture.
Variations: Add chili flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or anchovies for umami.

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