California Pizza Kitchen Garlic Herb Croutons

Yield: 1 quart

Ingredients

• 2 2/3 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon dried garlic granules
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 loaf country-style white bread, cut into 3/4 to 1 inch cubes

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 225 degrees F.
2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic granules, basil, salt and cayenne.
3. Put the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the seasoned butter and quickly toss to coat the cubes evenly. Spread the buttered cubes on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown on the outside and crisp throughout, about 1 hour. (To test for doneness, cut or carefully bite into one of the larger croutons; its center should be completely dry and crisp.)
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Attribution

Posted by GayleL at Recipe Goldmine - May 19, 2001

Source: California Pizza Kitchen-Pasta, Salads, Soups and Sides