Golden Buttered Crouton Bites

1. Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the upper-middle section to ensure even baking.

2. Season Bread Cubes

In a medium bowl, combine the bread cubes with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Tossing the bread cubes with these seasonings will give your croutons a well-rounded flavor.

3. Coat with Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned bread cubes. Using a rubber spatula, gently toss the cubes until they are evenly coated and glistening with butter. This step is crucial as it ensures each crouton will have that golden, crispy texture you’re aiming for.

4. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Next, spread the buttered bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or a shallow baking dish. Spreading them out in a single layer allows the heat to circulate around each cube, promoting even toasting.

5. Bake Croutons

Place the baking sheet on the upper-middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake the croutons for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. They are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crisp to the touch.

6. Cool and Store

Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet at room temperature. Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. Enjoy these delightful, homemade crouton bites as a crunchy addition to salads, soups, or as a snack on their own.