There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a crunchy crouton.  It maybe on a salad, or soaking up a soup.  We are in the throws of an Indian Summer here in Cincinnati.  I am ready for soups and stocks, and Autumn.  I saw a 10 for $10 Baguette sale at Kroger’s and I was sold. Time to make croutons! I want to make a public service announcement…. Never ever buy croutons! Homemade is the way to go. Easy, delicious, and you know what ingredients are in them and you get to hear yummy noises.

Homemade Croutons

1 baguette, sliced or torn into bite size pieces

1 -2 tbls olive oil

salt/ pepper to taste

1 tsp each herbs of choice

*I like dried oregano, fresh english and lemon thyme, rosemary, sometimes sage. Also garlic or onion powder works well too. Make them your own.

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spread out bread pieces.  Toss with olive oil, then herbs, then salt and pepper.  Bake for 12 minutes. Turn off oven and let them rest in the heat until they are crispy and crunchy.  Let cool completely.  Store in a plastic bag or container for up to 5 days. Don’t worry, they will be gone before then.

*use in salads, soups, and Panzanella salads.

My house smells really good right now by the way…..