Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic and stir often until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove the roasted garlic from the pan and set aside for another use. (see Note)
Add the breadcrumbs to the oil and stir constantly until they turn a rich golden color, about 4 minutes. Stir in salt if adding. Immediately remove the breadcrumbs from the pan.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on salads, pasta dishes, vegetable side dishes, soups and so on.
Store remaining breadcrumbs in a jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
Smear the roasted garlic on a piece of bread, add it to hummus or pesto or use it in place of fresh garlic when cooking just about anything. Or pop the delicious garlic into your mouth immediately.