Garlic Herb Croutons

Today my baby girl Emily turned 15 years old.  I didn't need to ask her what she wanted for her birthday dinner, I already knew the answer. Her favorite dinner is my Chicken Caesar Salad with home made Garlic Herb Croutons. I make a large batch and give them as gifts in small cellophane bags, or freeze them in air tight containers and pull them out when we need them. They are fantastic on salads, or in soups.



Garlic Herb Croutons

2 loaves rustic french or Pugliese bread, cubed
1 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon pepper
5 cloves minced garlic
2 cups finely shredded Pecorino Romano
or good quality Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spicy heat)

Preheat oven to 400. Place cubed bread in large roasting pan.  Mix all remaining ingredients except cheese in a small bow.  Drizzle oil mixture over bread, stir to coat.  Sprinkle cheese over bread and stir to coat evenly.
Bake at 400 for 50-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to brown.  Remove from oven when croutons are golden brown and crunchy. Let cool at room temperature.  
Add to salads, or soups, or just munch on a bowl~ so yummy!