Instructions

1. Place the bread on a plate or in an unsealed plastic food storage bag. Allow the bread to dry out in the refrigerator for about a week. The discount bin in the bread aisle of your local market is a good place to purchase bread that's beginning to dry out, allowing you to skip the weeklong drying process. At the very least, leave the bag open overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Place an unsliced loaf of bread on a cutting board. Cut the bread into 1- to 2-inch cubes with a bread knife. If you use sliced bread, cut the slices into 1- to 2-inch squares. You can choose to remove the bread crust before proceeding with grinding, or leave the crust on.

4. Add the bread cubes to a blender. Pulse the blender to turn the cubes into breadcrumbs.

5. Spread the breadcrumbs in an even layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet onto the center rack in the oven.

6. Bake the breadcrumbs for about 20 minutes, or until the bread pieces are dried and golden brown in color. Monitor the oven frequently to prevent the bread from turning too dark or from burning. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

7. Scoop the cooled bread pieces into a blender or food processor and grind them to make them very fine. Add seasonings such as basil, parsley, garlic or pepper to the breadcrumbs, if desired.

8. Spread the breadcrumbs on top of your macaroni and cheese before baking or add them just after the dish comes out of the oven. Store dried breadcrumbs in a plastic food storage bag or airtight container.