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    Home » Pasta

    Pangritata (Pangrattato) Crispy Breadcrumbs for Pasta

    Published: Jun 28, 2020 · Modified: May 20, 2022 by Louise-Claire Cayzer · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Pangritata or Pangrattato is simply leftover breadcrumbs that are fried with flavourings and olive oil to create a crispy crunchy, savoury addition to pasta dishes. It's also sometimes called 'Poor Mans Parmesan' and is a very common addition to pasta in Italy and is used as a cheap substitute for expensive parmesan cheese.

    A bowl of pangritata with a bowl of pasta next to it, ready to sprinkle. this recipe

    I use the tasty crunchy Pangritata all the time on pasta, with a modern, vegan addition of nutritional yeast (sometimes known as nooch in by the vegans in the know) to make it extra cheesy. Probably my favourite pasta dishes to add it to are those that are made with a simple pesto such as Vegan Parsley Pesto with Pistachios. It's also great sprinkled over stews like my fave Borlotti Bean, Sweet Corn & Tomato Stew

    Jump to:
    • 🍞Ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳Instructions
    • 🌿Substitutions & Variations!
    • 🍳Equipment
    • 🍯Storage
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🍝Serving Ideas
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍞Ingredients

    You really only need three ingredients to make pangritata,

    1. Breadcrumbs- Make your own breadcrumbs with dry day-old bread whizzed up in a food processor, or cheat a little and use fluffy light panko breadcrumbs, which are what I prefer to use.
    2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Good quality extra-virgin olive oil adds to the overall flavour and creates the crunch.
    3. Flakey Sea Salt- I love using good flakey sea salt as it adds that essential extra crunch.

    Then choose your optional flavourings!

    • Thyme or Oregano- Dried thyme and/or oregano are a must for me. You can leave them out, but I love how they add an extra flavour profile.
    • Nutritional Yeast Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast,  sold in flakes, it has a cheesy, slightly nutty flavour and is high in B12, folic acid, selenium & zinc. It's brilliant for adding a cheesy flavour to dishes. This isn't a traditional addition, so feel free to leave it out. But I LOVE it!
    • Chilli Flakes- optional, but those who love chilli will love the addition.
    • Garlic powder or fresh garlic- I don't add this to my pangritata, but you can if you like!
    • Lemon Zest- optional but fresh. Good for a summer pasta.

    👩‍🍳Instructions

    Making pangritata is super simple! Head down the page to see the recipe card for the full quantities.

    If you want to make it with your own homemade breadcrumbs, use some white crusty bread that has been left out to dry up a bit, then blitz it up in a food processor

    A pan of breadcrumbs with seasonings to the side. Ready to make pangritata.
    Adding the seasonings and olive oil to the pan of breadcrumbs.
    1. In a non stick pan, add the breadcrumbs.

    2) Add the spices and seasonings Drizzle olive oil and gently toast over a medium heat.

    Adding the nutritional yeast to the pangritata.
    Showing the final pan of breadcrumbs, now toasted and golden.

    3) Finally add the nutritional yeast and toast a little longer. Be careful not to burn the pangritata!

    4) The pangritata/pangrattato should be golden and crispy crunchy when ready. Taste and add more salt or seasonings as needed!

    Hint: Keep an eye on the pan when you are toasting the breadcrumbs. You really do not want to burn them, and they turn from golden to char quite quickly!

    🌿Substitutions & Variations!

    This recipe is super simple, so you can really choose your own flavourings to suit your own pallets.

    • Gluten-free- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Either make your own or buy some.
    • Other herbs- Dried parsley, oregano and thyme are all delicious. You could also use dried dill or chives.

    🍳Equipment

    You really only need a good non-stick frying pan for this pangritata recipe, unless you make your own breadcrumbs, in which case a food processor would be handy.

    I love using my Kenwood processor. It's very old now, but you can find a similar one on Amazon.

    A fork with pasta on it, and a bowl of pangritata.

    🍯Storage

    I like to make these crispy breadcrumbs in big batches and keep them in an airtight container, ready for immediate sprinkling over pasta dishes. The pangritata keeps for up to a week as long as no moisture gets into the container!

    ❓ FAQ

    What is Pangritata?

    Pangritata is crispy fried breadcrumbs that are added to pasta for crunch and flavour. The word comes from the Italian: Pane: Bread, and Gritatto: grated. Literally, bread grated. It is also called Pangritatto.

    How do I use pangritata?

    Sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs over pasta as a substitute for parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle it on soups and stews for added texture.

    Is Pangritata gluten-free?

    It depends on the type of breadcrumbs used to make the pangritatata. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

    How can I store the pangritata?

    Store pangritata for up to a week (or maybe a little longer) in an airtight container.

    Is pangritata vegan?

    Yes it is, as long as you do not add any cheese or anchovies! It makes a great substitute for parmesan cheese on pasta for vegans.

    🍝Serving Ideas

    I like to sprinkle Pangritata or Pangritatto on pasta and soups. Take a look at the links below for some yummy ideas you where could sprinkle it onto:

    • Creamy Cannellini Bean Tomato Pasta
    • Smoked Garlic & Wild Mushroom Pasta
    • Spiced Black Bean and Roasted Tomato Soup
    • Soothing Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup

    This is one of our super quick vegan recipes. If you like simple and quick recipes, then check out this round up of over 35 Delicious Lazy Vegan Recipes.

    If you love this recipe, please share this post with your friends on Pinterest or Facebook, or tag me on Insta! Don't forget to also please comment and star ⭐this recipe too!

    Love & Vegan Yummies,

    Louise xx (P.S. Follow me on Insta and Tik Tok!)

    📖 Recipe

    A little dish of pangritata and a bowl of pasta next to it.

    Pangritata(Pangrattato) Crispy Breadcrumbs for Pasta

    Louise-Claire Cayzer
    An easy, crunchy breadcrumb alternative to parmsean cheese sprinkle for your pasta dishes, and anything else that could do with that cheezy taste and topping.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 3 mins
    Total Time 8 mins
    Course christmas dinner, lunch, main, starter
    Cuisine european, Italian
    Servings 10
    Calories 36 kcal

    Ingredients Note:

    For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.

    (Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)

    Ingredients

    • 50 g (1 cup) panko breadcrunbs (or freshly made breadcrumbs)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme or other herbs (oregano works well)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon mild chilli powder (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

    Instructions

    • Put all the ingredients into a small frying pan except for the nutritional yeast.
      50 g panko breadcrunbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme or other herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mild chilli powder
    • Gently fry until golden.
    • Add the nutritional yeast & taste to see if you want more salt.
      1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • Add to pasta or soups.

    Notes

    Store in an airtight container until ready to sprinkle!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 272mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword malfalda pasta, vegan cheese, vegan parmesan
    Tried this recipe and loved it? Follow and Mention @vegan_larder or comment and ⭐ below
    Vegan Parmesan aka Pangritata for pasta in a bowl

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Sisley White - Sew White says

      May 23, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love how crisp this in top of pasta. I'm not a massive cheese fan so this is perfect for me.

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      May 23, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      Holy. Moly. I know this is for pangritata, but i can see using this for so many more dishes.

      Reply
    3. Claudia Lamascolo says

      May 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      Very nice I love this additions for pasta will make it often so good!

      Reply
    4. Dana says

      May 23, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      Love these so much! Such an easy way to amp up a pasta dish.

      Reply
    5. Kali Alexandria says

      May 23, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect touch to any pasta recipe! Thank you!

      Reply

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