Toasted Croutons

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 8 inches in diameter and 15 inches long) ends trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices on the baking sheet and brush them with half of the olive oil, then sprinkle them with the salt and pepper. Turn the slices over, brush with the remaining oil, and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Bake for about 6 minutes, then turn the baking sheet around in the oven to ensure even browning. Bake until the croutons are lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.