1 c. olive oil or 1 c. (2 sticks) melted butter
1 c. bread crumbs
1 loaf Italian bread

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut bread in half lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile combine oil and bread crumbs. Remove bread from oven after 10 minutes, spread mixture over cut surfaces of bread. Switch oven to broil. Broil bread for about 1 minute or until surface is bubbly and lightly browned. Slice and serve immediately. Makes 16 (2 inch) slices.

Variation: You can add garlic or cheese to the oil and bread crumb mixture.