Instructions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Using a round cookie or oval cutter, cut bread into eight shapes, each just larger than a poached egg. Brush both sides with butter or oil. Bake, turning once, until light golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes.

This recipe yields 8 croutes.

Comments: French for "crusts," croutes are slices of bread that have been cut into round shapes and toasted. Theyre most commonly served in bowls of soup or as hors doeuvres topped with cheese or tapenade.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.