Coconut Free Buttered Breadcrumbs
Golden, toasty, and impossibly fragrant, these buttered breadcrumbs are the kind of finishing touch that makes a simple bowl of pasta or a roasted vegetable feel genuinely special. The technique is straightforward — butter, heat, patience, and a watchful eye — but the result is something that tastes far more impressive than the ingredient list suggests. Fresh thyme gets stirred in off the heat, so its herby brightness stays intact rather than cooking away, and the optional parsley adds a little color and freshness if you want it. Many store-bought seasoned toppings and panko blends sneak in coconut-derived oils or additives, so making your own from scratch with plain breadcrumbs and real unsalted butter keeps things clean and completely worry-free. The crumbs crisp up even further as they cool on the plate, giving you that satisfying crunch whether you're scattering them over soup, salad, mac and cheese, or roasted greens. Keep a batch on hand and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly — it genuinely elevates almost anything it touches.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the foam subsides and the butter is fully liquid, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the breadcrumbs and stir to coat evenly in the butter. Spread into an even layer and cook, stirring every 30–45 seconds, until the crumbs are deep golden and smell nutty, 5–7 minutes. Watch closely, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!