25 minutes
Transform your leftover levain or rustic country bread into these delightfully crunchy Golden Crisp Levain Breadcrumbs. They're an ideal topping to sprinkle over pastas, salads, or casseroles for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
1. Oven Warm-Up
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
2. Bread Prep
Discard the crusts from your levain or country bread and chop the bread into roughly even cubes.
3. Breadcrumb Creation
In a blender or food processor, pulse the bread cubes until you achieve your desired breadcrumb size.
4. Season and Oil Toss
Gently mix the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and olive oil, maintaining the ratio of 1 tablespoon olive oil to each cup of breadcrumbs.
5. Spread Out
Lay the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet in a single, even layer.
6. Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the preheated oven, baking until the breadcrumbs reach a rich golden brown color. To promote uniform toasting, stir the breadcrumbs at several-minute intervals.
Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture before baking. These are perfect for topping pasta dishes or making a crunchy crust for baked chicken or eggplant Parmesan.
Stir in grated Parmesan, Pecorino, or Asiago cheese into the breadcrumb mixture. The cheese will melt slightly and crisp up during toasting, adding a savory, umami flavor perfect for topping pastas or gratins.
Incorporate a mixture of finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, and dill into the breadcrumbs before baking. These bring a fresh flavor to roasted vegetables or can be sprinkled over a creamy soup.
Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs before toasting. Garlic enhances the flavor profile and complements a variety of dishes, especially sautéed vegetables or as a finishing touch on soups.
Zest a lemon into the breadcrumb mixture, and add cracked black pepper before baking. This variant is excellent for seafood dishes, such as baked fish or a crispy topping for scallops.
Comments (0)