If you think the best part of a casserole is the crunchy crumb toppings, find out how to get them even crunchier with panko! If you’ve never tried these extra-crispy bread crumbs, read on to see why they’re a cook’s best friend!
What Is Panko?
They’re a fairly recent addition to American grocery store shelves. Panko is an extra-crispy Japanese-style bread crumb that can make baked goods crunch more like fried foods; use it in the air fryer and you may do a double take!
And if you’ve ever wondered why panko has such a goofy name, here’s the translation from Japanese: pan=bread, and ko=crumbs.
Why is Panko So Crunchy?
Panko gets its special texture from the bread. It’s made extra airy, creating lots of pockets and uneven textures in the bread. And more rough edges mean more crispiness. I mean, think about it: If you bake a mashed potato casserole, it takes a while to get crispy edges, doesn’t it? But if you put a tray of french fries in the oven, they come out crispy in far less time– thanks to all those edges exposed to the oven’s dry heat. Those dry edges are the reason many recipes instruct foods to be covered while cooking–to keep the food moist instead of dry and crunchy. You can make your own panko, just as you can make your own toasted bread crumbs. However, to be truly authentic, you need to use a special, Japanese type of bread. It has that special crumb structure.
A side benefit to panko’s crispiness is that panko-encrusted foods absorb a bit less oil than foods coated with bread crumbs. The crispy crust forms a harder barrier that helps keep oil on the outside.
If you have a recipe that calls for bread crumbs and you’d like to try panko instead, it’s easy. They substitute 1:1, so there is no calculation involved.
Using Panko for Pan-Fried Foods
Most cooks are familiar with the standard breading technique for pan-frying foods like chicken breasts. It’s a three-step process, starting with a dip in flour, followed by drenching in egg, and finished up with another coating of bread crumbs. Using panko for frying is just about the same. Start with the flour and egg layers, but use panko for the final coating. And just like when using regular bread crumbs, press the final topping onto the surface so it doesn’t come off in the pan. Presto! Easy peasy. Once you get comfortable using panko, you may want to switch up the recipe a bit, maybe adding some Dijon mustard to the egg wash for a bit of tang, or sprinkling in some Italian herbs or cayenne pepper to the panko for a little kick.
To make panko even crispier than it already is, toast it in a dry skillet before using. Or, sauté with a bit of butter and herbs for a flavorful topping on dishes. Double the crispiness is a wonderful thing! Quick Tip
What Recipes Work Well with Panko?
Pretty much any recipe that uses bread crumbs will work well with panko. Meatballs, oven-roasted veggies, and pan-fried chicken, shrimp, or fish all come out beautifully when cooked with panko. When used inside foods (like meatballs, tuna patties, and veggie burgers) the crunch factor is replaced with airiness. And you know that meatballs can be heavy if not done right–so, panko to the rescue!
Panko options
You’ll generally find panko in the baking supplies area of the grocery store, right next to standard bread crumbs. Besides plain panko, you can also find it in an Italian blend–with oregano and basil added for your convenience.
Recipes Using Panko:
1. Fish Sticks
Upgrade your childhood favorite with this homemade Fish Sticks recipe. Made with fresh cod, savory spices, and Panko breadcrumbs, they’re a healthier and upscale alternative to frozen versions.
One reader said: “I had to try these and see if it made a big difference to home make them versus buy frozen ones and WOW! Even my kids noticed a huge difference! We are never going back!”
2. Green Bean Casserole
Upgrade the classic Green Bean Casserole by making a homemade creamy cheesy sauce instead of canned mushroom soup. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at any holiday dinner.
One reader said: “I have just finished making this and am putting it together in the fridge for tomorrow. The sauce is absolutely wonderful thank you so much we are looking forward to having it tomorrow for Thanksgiving. I followed the recipe exactly and didn’t change a thing it is so good just the way it is thank you so much!”
3. Black Bean Burger
These nutritious and flavorful Black Bean Burgers are easy to make. Pair with your favorite bun, veggie toppings, and delicious burger sauce.
One reader said: “I made these burgers today and they were amazing! As we quarantine and change our way of living, it includes the way we eat. Thank you for this Healthy alternative! Another great one Chelsea! Thank you!”
4. Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Casserole combines the flavors of chicken noodle soup into a creamy, cheesy dish. Loaded with veggies, tender chicken, a cheesy cream sauce, and a crunchy topping, it’s the best-ever version of this classic casserole that the whole family will love.
One reader said: “It’s official. I found my new comfort meal
Thank you so much for this recipe!”
5. Tuna Patties
Tuna Patties have a delicious flavor and perfect texture – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Made with canned tuna, they’re quick and easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite. Serve over a two-ingredient slaw and tasty tartar sauce.
One reader said: “We LOVE these tuna pattie’s! Such a fun, and unique way to cook with tuna and it’s such a hit at our house”
6. Pumpkin Pasta
This Pumpkin Pasta is the ultimate comforting fall meal with a rich and creamy texture and delicious crunchy topping.
One reader said: “Fast food has become a habit in today’s world. This is great! Thanks for your recipe.”
7. Our Favorite Salmon Burgers
Try our favorite Salmon Burgers with a buttered and toasted brioche bun, a well-seasoned salmon patty, and delicious tartar sauce. Add greens and avocado for a perfect meal that’s worth repeating!
One reader said: “10/10 would recommend this recipe to anyone!!”
8. Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Our favorite Buffalo Chicken Tenders are baked to crispy perfection with a few preparation tricks. They’re packed with flavor and a good amount of spice. Dip in blue cheese or ranch dressing for an addictive meal.
One reader said: “Made these tonight, family loved it. Definitely a keeper.”
9. Roasted Cauliflower (Two Ways!)
Roasted Cauliflower is the best way to enjoy this vegetable with beautiful caramelization, crisp edges, and tender interior. Learn to prepare a basic all-purpose version and a show-stopping Parmesan-breadcrumb-crusted version with this recipe.
One reader said: “I cannot get my kids to eat cauliflower, but they devoured this stuff!!”
10. Turkey Meatloaf
This Turkey Meatloaf recipe features ground turkey, veggies, and a tangy glaze. The mini meatloaves are easy to make, healthy, and perfect for meal prep. They store well and can be made ahead of time.
One reader said: “I love these!! They came out so flavorful and moist, with a good crust on the outside. Even my boyfriend who usually HATES ground turkey said they were delicious. Will make again.”
11. Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells
Get ready for a taste bud party with these cheesy, marinara-slathered Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells! It’s the ultimate mash-up of two dinner favorites: stuffed shells and chicken Parmesan.
One reader said: “AMAZING! I made this for my daughter’s birthday (she’s three) for supper and she LOVED it! Good thing I had leftovers as she devoured multiple shells! I’ll definitely be making this again”
12. Roasted Asparagus
These Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells combine two delicious dinners: stuffed shells and chicken Parmesan, with a cheesy, marinara topping.
One reader said: “I loved this recipe and so did my family (even my 6 year old)! I’ve never made asparagus before and your instructions from washing to cooking were so helpful. It turned out perfect.”
13. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are quick to make and pack a flavorful crunch. Serve them to a crowd and watch them disappear! Pair them with our 5-ingredient honey-mustard dipping sauce for the ultimate taste.
One reader said: “These are so great!!”
14. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Get ready for a flavor explosion with the best Sweet and Sour Meatballs! The saucy goodness is made with sweet peppers, juicy pineapple, and aromatic ingredients. Serve these bad boys over rice for a filling, hearty, and oh-so-tasty meal.
One reader said: “Loved the recipe (my husband actually made this one) but the actual written directions didn’t mention the mandarin oranges or the pineapple. We love the pictures that you add (these are the only reason my husband cooks) but I just wanted to let you know! Super easy and sooo yummy!”
15. Baked Alfredo Chicken
Make an easy Baked Alfredo Chicken using pantry staples. Pair it with roasted veggies and baked beans for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
One reader said: “Absolutely delicious! We loved it”
16. Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
Get ready for a mouth-watering, low-carb dinner with this Easy Sheet Pan Spaghetti Squash featuring juicy turkey meatballs and a flavorful marinara sauce!
One reader said: “Loved this!!!! Made it for dinner tonight. First time using spaghetti squash. It was like fall in a bowl!!! Delicious!!!”
17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts made simple! Spice them up, coat them in butter and oil, and add breadcrumbs or panko before roasting for the perfect crunch.
One reader said: “I hate brussel sprouts,. However this recipe had me eating them with pleasure!! So glad I found it!!”
18. Coconut Chicken
Get ready to go coconuts for these ultra-crispy baked Coconut Chicken tenders! Dunk them in our quick and easy five-ingredient honey-mustard dipping sauce for a deliciously tropical twist on a classic favorite.
One reader said: “This was seriously SO good Chelsea. I made it tonight, and I couldn’t get enough of it. And the sauce? JUST like chick-fil-a. I think this might be my new favorite recipe. It will definitely be added to our dinner rotation. I can’t wait to eat the leftovers ”
19. Greek Meatballs
Mediterranean Meatball Pitas with Zesty Lemon-Herb Sauce and Fresh Veggies – A Flavorful Delight!
One reader said: “Delicious, we loved the meatballs and the oyster sauce is such a nice tweak, great flavors with all of these ingredients, thank you!”
20. Chicken Divan
Healthy and Cheesy Chicken Divan – a modern twist on the classic casserole with no mayo or cream of mushroom soup.
One reader said: “This is legit my favorite. So easy and tasty!”
21. One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus
One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus: the ultimate one-pan wonder with garlicky lemon parmesan chicken and tender asparagus, all cooked to perfection.
One reader said: “Just made this for dinner and it was a huge hit! You know it’s good when my husband compliments it!”
22. Chicken Parmesan Pasta (ONE Dish!)
One pan magic! Whip up this Chicken Parmesan Pasta by adding uncooked pasta and chicken into a baking dish with a handful of other ingredients. Cheesy perfection awaits!
One reader said: “This meal was delicious! We are adding it in to our meal rotation”
23. Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with our tender and cheesy stuffed meatballs! These meatballs are filled with gooey mozzarella, simmered in a homemade marinara sauce, and served over perfectly cooked pasta. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
One reader said: “These are a whole other level of meatballs!! They’re better than the meatballs at my favorite LA restaurant “my brothers meatballs”! I couldn’t believe it!!!”
24. Mini Meatloaf {One Pan}
Sheet pan magic: Mini meatloaves, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlicky green beans all roasted to perfection together in a single pan!
One reader said: “My husband loves meatloaf so I made this for our Valentine’s Day meal. Everything turned out amazing and it really was pretty easy. My husband also loved it and I will def make it again! Thank you!!”
25. One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken
30-minute, one-skillet wonder: zesty Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Green Beans – the ultimate easy and delicious weeknight dinner!
One reader said: “This was great! My wife called the sauce a flavor explosion!”
26. ONE PAN Mexican Tortilla Chicken and Veggies
Baked Mexican Tortilla Chicken with Veggies — a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
One reader said: “This recipe was awesome. My kids even loved it. We are going to add this to our dinner rotation for sure!”
27. Meatball Subs
Juicy homemade meatballs, simmered in marinara sauce, loaded into a toasted bun and topped with melty Italian cheese – it’s the ultimate Meatball Sub experience!
One reader said: “I made these for supper yesterday. They were excellent. My son said he didnt even like meatballs but loved these. Look forward to trying more of your recipes!!”
28. Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese
Spice up your mealtime with this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese! Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with crispy bacon and a spicy kick from jalapeños. Top it off with a buttery breadcrumb crust for an irresistible comfort food favorite.
One reader said: “WOWZA! Super easy, and super yum!”
29. Roasted Green Beans (Two Ways!)
Revamp your veggies game with our roasted green beans! Seasoned to perfection, these crispy delights are a game-changer. And for an extra crunch, try our Parmesan and breadcrumb topping. Get ready to fall in love with green beans all over again!
One reader said: “These are the BEST green beans ever! Mind blowing! Thanks for the recipe!”
30. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs in a creamy gravy sauce are the ultimate comfort food! These tender and flavorful meatballs are served over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, making every bite a heavenly experience!
One reader said: “Really good recipe! My husband loved it and that’s saying a lot! It’s a keeper!”
