Slice white bread 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, trim the crust, butter the slices, and cut them into 1/4 – to 1/2-inch cubes. Toast the cubes in a 400F oven for 3 to 4 minutes; turn and toast the other side. An alternative is to saute plain bread cubes in butter or oil. Or deep fry them for 10 to 15 seconds at 350F Drain on paper towels.
If you like, flavor the croutons. You can add a sliced garlic clove or a little minced onion to the sauteing pan. Or, while croutons are still hot, sprinkle them lightly with grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, or minced, fresh herbs (an easy method of coating croutons is to shake the ingredients in a paper bag). Store in an airtight container or freeze them. Use croutons as a garnish for casseroles, soups, salads, or cooked vegetables.