Seasoned bread crumbs

Seasoned Bread Crumbs Recipe from Italy - Onion, Parsley, Garlic, Oregano, Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Seasoned bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. Whether you're using them as a coating for chicken or fish, sprinkling them on top of a casserole, or mixing them into meatballs, seasoned bread crumbs are a pantry staple that can elevate your cooking.

History

Bread crumbs have been used in cooking for centuries as a way to stretch ingredients and add texture to dishes. Seasoned bread crumbs, which are bread crumbs that have been mixed with herbs, spices, and other flavorings, have become popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They are often used as a topping for pasta dishes, as a coating for meats and vegetables, or as a binder in meatballs and meatloaf.

Ingredients

2 cups of fine dry breadcrumbs
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
0.5 cup of chopped parsley or 2 tbsp of dry parsley
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp of oregano
0.33 cup of grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Combine bread crumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, and cheese. Mix thoroughly. Store in a tightly covered container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Makes 3 cups and 3 tbsp. Each serving contains 49 calories, 0.5 starchy choice, 8 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of protein, and 1 g of fat.

Variations

Try adding different herbs and spices to your seasoned bread crumbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes, to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making seasoned bread crumbs, be sure to use dry breadcrumbs rather than fresh breadcrumbs, as they will hold up better when mixed with the other ingredients. You can customize the seasoning in your bread crumbs to suit your taste preferences - try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to create your own unique blend.

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese before baking for a crispy topping, or use them as a coating for chicken cutlets or fish fillets.

Cooking Techniques

Seasoned bread crumbs can be used as a coating for meats and vegetables, as a topping for casseroles, or as a binder in meatballs and meatloaf.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley instead. You can also substitute other herbs and spices for the oregano, such as basil or thyme.

Make Ahead Tips

Seasoned bread crumbs can be stored in a tightly covered container in the freezer for up to 6 months, making them a convenient ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy meals.

Presentation Ideas

Serve dishes topped with seasoned bread crumbs on a decorative platter or in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Seasoned bread crumbs pair well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, chicken, fish, and vegetables. They add a crunchy texture and savory flavor to any meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store seasoned bread crumbs in a tightly covered container in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply sprinkle them on top of a dish and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of seasoned bread crumbs contains 49 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of seasoned bread crumbs contains 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of seasoned bread crumbs contains 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of seasoned bread crumbs contains 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Seasoned bread crumbs are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Seasoned bread crumbs may contain gluten from the bread used to make the breadcrumbs. Check the label if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Seasoned bread crumbs are a low-calorie, low-fat ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. They are a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

Summary

Seasoned bread crumbs are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a pantry staple that will elevate your cooking and impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Margaret in her garden. As a reward for my hard work, she invited me into her kitchen to teach me how to make her famous seasoned bread crumbs.

Aunt Margaret was a master in the kitchen, and her recipes were always a hit at family gatherings. I watched in awe as she effortlessly mixed together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try the finished product.

As the bread crumbs baked in the oven, Aunt Margaret shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The secret, she said, was in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care that went into making them.

Once the bread crumbs were golden and crispy, Aunt Margaret sprinkled them over a bowl of pasta, adding a generous drizzle of olive oil. The first bite was pure magic - the crunch of the bread crumbs, the savory flavor of the cheese, and the hint of garlic all combined to create a dish that was truly unforgettable.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged Aunt Margaret to teach me more of her recipes, and she was more than happy to oblige. Over the years, I have collected a treasure trove of family recipes, each one more special than the last.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of Aunt Margaret's seasoned bread crumbs. I added a touch of lemon zest for brightness, or swapped out the Parmesan for pecorino for a sharper flavor. Each batch was a labor of love, and I took pride in sharing them with friends and family.

One day, I was hosting a dinner party for some close friends, and I decided to feature my seasoned bread crumbs as a side dish. The compliments were effusive, and my friends couldn't get enough. They asked for the recipe, and I was more than happy to share it with them.

As word of my seasoned bread crumbs spread, I found myself being asked to make them for special occasions and gatherings. I was always happy to oblige, knowing that each batch would bring joy and comfort to those who enjoyed them.

Years passed, and I found myself passing the recipe down to my own grandchildren. I taught them the importance of using quality ingredients and the value of cooking with love and care. They watched me mix together the breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper, just as I had watched Aunt Margaret all those years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of garlic and cheese, I can't help but smile. The recipe for seasoned bread crumbs has become a cherished tradition in our family, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring.

I am grateful for the day that Aunt Margaret taught me how to make this recipe, and for the memories that it has created. As I take a bite of the warm, crispy bread crumbs, I am transported back to that summer day in Aunt Margaret's kitchen, and I am filled with gratitude for the joy that food can bring.