Recipe: Homemade Croutons with Variations - Garlic, Parmesan Garlic, Herb, or Spicy

HOMEMADE CROUTONS

4 cups cubed stale bread (Italian, French, sourdough or regular white bread works great)
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Toss bread with oil, salt and pepper until thoroughly coated. Place on a baking sheet.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Try one of these tasty versions:

GARLIC CROUTONS:
Add 1 clove garlic, minced.

PARMESAN GARLIC CROUTONS:
Add 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan and 1 clove garlic, minced.

HERB CROUTONS:
Add 1 tsp. dried rosemary and 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme.

SPICY CROUTONS:
Add 1/2 tsp. ground cumin and 1/4 tsp. chili powder.

Store in heavy-duty storage bags at room temperature up to 6 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Source: The Southern Sass Cookbook by Darlene Hardister-Heumann