Toasted Bread Crumb Topping

This recipe accompanies Chicken and Rice Casserole, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, and whatever else your heart desires. It is also from The Best Make-Ahead Recipe.

Toasted Bread Crumb Topping
Makes 2 3/4 cups; enough for one 13 by 9-inch casserole

4 slices white sandwich bread, quartered
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
Salt and ground black pepper

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 300 degrees F. Pulse the bread and butter in a food processor to coarse crumbs, about 6 pulses. Spread the crumbs out over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden and dry, 20 to 30 minutes. Let the crumbs cool, then toss with the parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a tasty shortcut, you can substitute Ritz Cracker Topping or Corn Chip Topping!