Mighty Bread Crumbs

Griddling these coarse breadcrumbs with good olive oil and fresh herbs creates a super crunchy topping that only resembles supermarket breadcrumbs in name.   

Yields 2 cups breadcrumbs  

INGREDIENTS

4 cups diced One Mighty Mill bread (about 6 oz.) 
4 Tbs. olive oil 
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 
Kosher salt  
Pinch garlic powder (optional) 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the bread to a food processor and pulse to chop into coarse crumbs. 
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and then the breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the breadcrumbs start to brown and turn crisp, about 10 minutes; reduce the heat if they are starting to burn!
3. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the herbs, ½ tsp. salt, and the garlic powder (if using)and cook until the crumbs are dry and crunchy, 5 to 10 minutes more. 
4. Cool and use immediately store in an air-tight container for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.