Once you make your own croutons from either days-old rustic bread from the store or homemade rustic sourdough, you'll not want to be without them. I have to hide these from Michael, or he eats them by the handful as snack food. NOT! (But they are really good!)For best results, use bread that has a little heft to it and that has staled a bit.
Optional: garlic powder and/or herbs such as basiloregano, and/or rosemary
Instructions
Tear rustic bread into bite-sized pieces and put into a large bowl. (I use days-old sourdough.)
Sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and toss. I usually do this twice so that all the bread gets a little seasoning and a little olive oil.
Spread the bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 300° for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the croutons to cool in the oven.
Store in an airtight jar away from predators until ready to use.