Croutons

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Time: 15 minutes

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The difference between homemade croutons and the packaged variety cannot be overstated; homemade are delicious and contain no additives. Start with good bread and good olive oil, try some of the variations, and you’ll be a convert.

Remember that you can make croutons from any good bread. Corn bread, olive bread, whole grain and whole wheat breads, even raisin or other specialty breads are all excellent candidates.

• ¼ cup olive oil, or more as needed
• 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
• 4–6 ½-inch-thick slices good bread
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)

1. Put the oil and garlic if you’re using it in a skillet large enough to hold the bread in a single layer and turn the heat to medium (you may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of the slices). When the oil shimmers or the garlic sizzles, add the bread. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper if you’d like.
2. When the bread browns lightly, after about 5 minutes, turn and brown the other side. If the pan dries out (which it likely will), you can add more olive oil if you like. When the second side is browned, after another 5 minutes or so, remove the croutons. Use or store in an airtight container or wrapped in wax paper for up to a day.

Cubed Croutons Before beginning, cut the bread into ½- to 1-inch cubes. Cook them in the oil, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned all over.

Herbed Croutons Best with cubes: As the bread browns, stir in about ¼ cup minced fresh parsley, dill, or chervil, or a combination.

Highly Seasoned Croutons Use plenty of pepper, along with about 1 teaspoon chili or curry powder.

Dry-Baked Croutons Perfect for large batches; when kept in an airtight container, these will stay crunchy for at least a week. Plus, there’s no fat: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Omit the oil and garlic. Slice or cube the bread, spread on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake, undisturbed, until the croutons begin to turn golden, about 15 minutes. Turn the slices or shake the pan to roll the cubes around a bit. Continue baking until they’re the desired color, anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or other seasoning if you like.