Homemade Croutons

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Cut bread into 3/4-inch cubes, discarding any very tough crusts.  You should have about 3 cups of cubes.

Step 3

Melt together olive oil and butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon each kosher or sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Step 4

Toss bread cubes on a baking sheet with butter mixture. Spread cubes into an even layer and bake for 15 minutes. Stir cubes and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, until dry and light golden brown. (Baking times may vary by loaf.)

Step 5

While hot, sprinkle with additional kosher or sea salt and pepper, if desired. Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Step 6

Add garlic to the seasoned melted butter and olive oil mixture. Simmer for 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant, but not brown. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for 20 minutes.

Step 7

Strain garlic from butter/oil mixture through a mesh sieve, pressing on the garlic pieces with the back of a spoon. Discard the garlic and continue with the recipe as written.

Step 8

Short on time? Alternatively, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (add additional, to taste, if you like a stronger garlic flavor) instead of fresh chopped garlic. No need to steep.