Cook Breadcrumbs Like A Cut Of Meat For A Truly Unbeatable Taste

Breadcrumbs are the finishing ingredient in a wide range of dishes, so why are they often treated like an afterthought? They do wonders for the texture of everything from pork chops to ravioli, but did you know they can elevate the flavor as well? Next time you need to top off a recipe with breadcrumbs, fry them up like you would with meat. When you really want to infuse some ground beef, chicken breast, or other cut of protein with a specific flavor, you add it to a pan with oil and butter, and season it to complement the ingredients it's paired with — so why not do the same with breadcrumbs? Sure, they are not the focal point of a meal, but the crisp crumbs serve as the gateway to the rest of a dish, so it does not hurt to make them a delicious one. 

There are numerous types of breadcrumbs, like golden or Italian-style crumbs, that come pre-seasoned, but choosing your own spices ensures they better complement a dish. The airy crumbs easily absorb oil and melted butter, and when these fats are flavored with spices and herbs, they are imbued with a taste that will amp up any recipe. Start by heating oil or butter in a pan, then add in the breadcrumbs, along with your choice of herbs and spices. Keeping the heat at a medium temperature, toss the breadcrumbs continuously until they turn golden brown, ensuring that they are evenly coated in the fat.

Since they only take a few minutes to pull together, fried breadcrumbs provide a big impact without tacking too much time onto how long it takes to prepare a meal. If you took a scaled back approach or underseasoned a dish like simple mac and cheese or a casserole, some well-seasoned breadcrumbs can bring the right amount of flavor. Spice up the baked dish with paprika, thyme, and garlic powder breadcrumbs, or add a meaty finish by toasting the crumbs in beef tallow.

Fried breadcrumbs are also perfect for adding a crunchy, flavorful finish to hearty salads, like kale and roasted beet salad complete with feta cheese. When choosing spices to season the breadcrumbs with, choose items that pull from your favorite flavors in the salad, or will add in something you'd like to see more of. A dash of lemon zest and shallots brings out the punchy taste of the kale salad, while roasted garlic delivers an earthy dose of sweetness. Simmer the ingredients in the oil or butter to infuse the fat with their flavors, then strain it out before toasting the breadcrumbs. The toasty crumbs work wonders as a topping, but you can also use them as a filling. Allowing fresh breadcrumbs to take in the spices and herbs of your choosing gives items like meatballs or meatloaf a heartier taste.