If you’ve never had them, they’re basically a hyper-crunchy breadcrumb used as a topping on a few sandwiches and salads. MF’s website describes them as being made from polenta, buttermilk, Parmesan, and herbs. But that’s the only information available.

So I mixed some polenta with dry buttermilk, Parmesan, herbs, and some melted butter, then baked it off on parchment paper until golden brown. The results were…disheartening to say the least. They vaguely resemble the Krispies in the same way LaCroix resembles a flavorful beverage.

Based on the color/texture differences, I have to imagine the restaurant version is fried. But that doesn’t really make much sense either, since frying literal granules of polenta seems like an incredibly messy disaster waiting to happen.

Any thoughts? Advice?