Buttery Croutons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°.
2. 2
   On a large rimmed baking sheet, combine the bread, butter, and salt; toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.
3. 3
   Bake, stirring once, until crisp, about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Let cool on sheet on a wire rack and use within3 hours.
5. 5
   *Pumpernickel Croutons: substitute pumpernickel bread for the white bread and olive oil for the melted butter.
6. 6
   *Garlic Croutons: in a small skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat; add in 3 minced garlic cloves, and saute until sizzling, about 2 minutes.
7. 7
   Remove from heat; use garlic butter in place of melted butter.