Pulse white bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs.

Remove about 1/2 cup of the crumbs and reserve them.

Add pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper to the crumbs in the food processor and pulse.

Add the basil and process again.

With the motor running, add the olive oil in a slow stream, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the pesto is spreadable.

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Brush a small baking sheet with oil.

Put the salmon fillets on it, and season them with salt and pepper.

Spread a 1/4-inch layer of the pesto evenly over the top of each fillet.

Sprinkle the reserved breadcrumbs over the pesto.

Bake until the salmon is cooked (10-15 minutes, until just opaque with a trace of bright orange in the middle) and the topping is lightly browned.