Rustic Country Croutons

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Tear Bread

Take your two large slices of country loaf and tear them into bite-size pieces, making sure to include the crust.

3. Toss Bread with Oil and Seasonings

In a large bowl, toss the torn bread pieces with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the oil and seasoning.

4. Bake Croutons

Spread the seasoned bread pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for a total of 10 to 20 minutes. Check on your croutons every 4 to 5 minutes, moving the pieces from the outside edge of the baking sheet to the center periodically.

5. Cool and Season

Once the croutons are golden brown and perfectly crisp, slide them onto paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Season the croutons lightly again with a little more salt and pepper while they are still warm.

6. Store Croutons

Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container. These croutons are perfect for salads or as a snack on their own.