Italian-Seasoned Bread Crumbs

This is one of my favorite basics yet. It’s easy and tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions. Try these Italian-seasoned bread crumbs in your next meat loaf and you will not be disappointed.

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS • TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces day-old Easy French Bread, cut into cubes (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning

½ teaspoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
• In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the bread cubes until finely ground crumbs have formed. Pour the crumbs into a medium bowl and add the Italian seasoning (or omit to make plain crumbs) and salt. Stir to combine. Spread the crumbs out in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in 5-minute intervals for about 20 minutes, or until toasted and golden brown. Watch carefully so they do not burn.
• Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes before using or storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.