Crumb Topping Recipe

This crumb topping recipe is a savory one. Flavored with garlic, thyme, bacon and mushrooms it's guaranteed to transform your soups, salads and pasta dishes from "meh" to "OMG what's in this umami bomb"? It's a quick and easy homemade crumble with a salty and satisfying crunch.

I first made a version of this recipe back in 2019. I was a contestant in the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival Cook-Off. Being a contestant in a recipe contest always brings me great joy. True to myself I create something near and dear to my Sicilian heart that showcases the sponsor's product.

So, Italian it was with a ravioli topped with a tomato-mushroom sauce and some butter crumbs seasoned with bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Packed with flavor and texture it soon became my culinary secret weapon and I was sprinkling it on everything.

Crumb Topping Ingredients

Isn't it a wonder when simple ingredients come together to absolutely transform and elevate anything it touches. Plus, I used what I had in the refrigerator. No waste.

• Bacon: Use a thick sliced meaty bacon. The rendered fat infuses all the delicious smokey, salty flavor into the breadcrumbs. The crispy crumbs and bacon are the star of the show.
• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh homemade breadcrumbs for best flavor and texture. Using your fingers, shred and crumble the innards of a day old artisan loaf into small crumbs.
• Mushrooms: Caramelized sautéed mushrooms add so much flavor and are a beautiful textural contrast to the crispy elements in this crumb topping recipe.
• Garlic and Thyme: Every Italian recipe needs an aromatic and fresh kick to bring all the flavors together.

How to make this crumble topping recipe

How to use a savory breadcrumb topping

This breadcrumb topping recipe can be sprinkled on top of a variety dishes for the perfect finishing touch.

• Perfect on just about any pasta dish or casserole. Think how good it will be on a creamy carbonara or stove-top macaroni and cheese.
• Terrific on salads for some extra crunch and flavor contrast.
• A spoonful is an absolute must on any soup especially if it contains mushrooms.
• Toss with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli cauliflower.
• Sprinkle on top of a simply baked piece of fish or chicken.

Lisa Keys

Crumb Topping Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Buttery crumbs mixed with crispy bacon and mushrooms for the perfect pasta or salad topping.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: dinner, main, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 115

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 strips thick sliced bacon diced
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup torn maitake or oyster mushrooms

Equipment

• skillet

Method

 

1. Cook bacon in skillet until crisp, transfer to paper towels.
2. Add breadcrumbs to skillet with bacon drippings and cook, stirring, over medium heat until crisp (3 to 4 minutes). Transfer crumbs to a bowl.
3. Add bacon to crumbs; set aside.
4. Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms and thyme. Cook, stirring, until mushrooms have released their liquid and are golden brown.
5. Toss mushroom mixture with breadcrumbs and bacon.

Notes

Yes, you can use different herbs and add some grated parmesan cheese.

Use your fingers to crumble day old artisan bread into crumbs.

Please comment, pin and post your experience with this savory one. And do check out my ultimate guide on stale bread for more creative ideas.