Step 1

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Step 2

Tear bread into small pieces (or cut into cubes), then transfer to a 7-cup or larger food processor. If you have a smaller food processor you can just work in batches.

Step 3

Blitz bread into fine crumbs in food processor, this will take about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 4

Pour crumbs out onto a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Wiggle pan to help level.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven 8 minutes. Remove from oven and toss, then spread into an even layer again.

Step 6

Continue to bake until bread crumbs are thoroughly dry and crisp, about 7 - 12 minutes longer.

Step 7

If making Italian seasoned bread crumbs then toss in the Italian seasoning and 3/4 tsp garlic powder after removing from oven.

Step 8

Let crumbs cool then store in an airtight container, Keep at room temperature up to 2 weeks, in the fridge up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Step 9

If you'd like crumbs to be even finer you can rub cooled handfuls between palms (if they aren't too jagged) or re-blitz in a food processor.