Crunch Toppings: Next-Level Flavor

If you make ONE change to your foods this year, let it be this: complete your meals with crunch toppings!

When it comes to enjoying a meal, sometimes it’s the little details that make all the difference. This style of cooking transforms food with a hearty sprinkle of bright, flavor-filled, crunchy, herby toppings. Suddenly, the familiar becomes extraordinary.

Crunchy Italian Herbs

Crunchy Italian Herbs — petite diced shallots, dried parsley flakes, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, Italian seasoning, coarsely ground black pepper

These delightful additions are more than a mere garnish. They elevate the taste and enhance the texture and visual appeal of your meals. With a quick assembly and a touch of creativity, you can turn ordinary ingredients into something truly gourmet.

Everything Crunch

Crunch toppings can be as simple as petite diced onions or shallots, sliced scallions, or dried minced onions, with an optional selection of herbs. The result is a vibrant, health-promoting blend that adds instant depth and a crisp bite to any dish. Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective, making it easy to keep your pantry stocked with these flavor powerhouses.

Everything Crunch — petite diced onion, dried parsley flakes, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic. sesame seeds, poppy seeds

One of the most remarkable things about crunch toppings is their adaptability. They can be tailored to suit a variety of cuisines, from a zesty Mediterranean mix to a simple Mexican-inspired blend. The possibilities are truly endless, and it’s this versatility that makes them a perfect addition to your culinary arsenal.

Cool Mediterranean Crunch

Cool Mediterranean Crunch — diced cucumbers, thinly sliced shallot, sliced scallion greens, thinly sliced scallion whites, dried or fresh dill

As for more health benefits, crunch toppings make your meals more satisfying by adding both flavor and texture. This leads to a natural reduction in the amount of salt you might otherwise be tempted to add, promoting a healthier approach to seasoning your dishes.

South of the Border Crunch

South of the Border Crunch — petite diced onion, dried parsley flakes, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic (optional sesame seeds, poppy seeds)

Fresh cilantro would be great here along with or instead of the dried parsley flakes, but I did test dried and freeze-dried cilantro, both of which I dislike and find very unpalatable for some reason.

Show Me The Seasonings

You may have most or all of these in your pantry already. If not, many can be found in your local grocery store, they’re not typically considered specialty items. The affiliated links below give you an idea of the ingredients shown above.

Show Me the Results: Crunch Topping Gallery

Here are just a few meals elevated by crunch toppings.

Homemade Thin-Sliced Button Mushroom Pizza with Italian Crunch Topping
Homemade Thin-Sliced Button Mushroom Pizza with Crunchy Italian Herbs
Beans, Rice, Carrots, Hot Sauce with Crunch Topping
Everything Crunch over Beans, Rice, Carrots, and a Sploosh of Hot Sauce

The best hot sauce for carrots on the planet is Hot N Saucy’s Collards N’ Ghost hot sauce. It’s truly next-level delicious!

Shawarma Crunch Plate
Bottom-to-Top: Steamed Rice, Soy Curl Shawarma, Cucumber Slices, Dill Sauce, Cool Mediterranean Crunch
Toasted Soft Corn Tacos with Soy Curl Filling, Shredded Lettuce, and South of the Border Crunch Topping

Go Forth and Crunch

Ultimately, crunch toppings are the secret weapon you never knew you needed in your kitchen. They’re a testament to the power of flavor and the joy that comes from taking your meals to new heights. So go ahead, get creative, and let the adventure begin!