Homemade Croutons Recipe
- 3 slices stale firm-textured white bread
- 1 tablespoon or more softened unsalted butter, or 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic (optional)
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Trim crusts from bread and discard.
- Lightly butter both sides of each slice (or, if you prefer, first blend butter with crushed garlic). I often substitute fruity extra-virgin olive oil for butter, sometimes plain, sometimes mixed with 1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic. Because bread absorbs more oil than softened butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil is about right.
- Cut each buttered slice into 1/3-inch cubes and spread in a single layer, not touching, on an ungreased large baking sheet.
- Slide onto the middle oven shelf and toast about 15 minutes until pale tan.
- Use croutons as the recipe directs.
