The CommonSenseMom's Homemade Croutons Instructions

I call these "instructions" rather than a "recipe" because I never measure anything when I make croutons. As you may know, I make my own bread using a Breadman Ultimate bread machine. I always keep the leftover bread ends in a bag in the freezer until I am ready to make croutons or bread pudding.

First, cut the bread into crouton-sized cubes and place in a large bowl. Next, sprinkle generously with the following:

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Celery salt
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss, and sprinkle some more of the above. After you have seasoned to taste, drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat lightly. Drizzle more olive oil and toss again. Spray a large flat pan liberally with cooking spray. You could use a jelly roll pan. I like to use the bottom section of my broiler pan. Ideally, you would want the croutons spread in a single layer, but I always have too much for a single layer. Bake at 250 degrees for approx. 2 hours. (Bake until croutons are crunchy all the way through but not overly browned). Check once or twice during the baking and stir or turn over the croutons with a spatula.