Heat your oven to 400 degrees.

(You can make croutons in a skillet on the stove or in the oven. If making on the stove, read more about that method here.)

Cut the bread into cubes. I never make mine look perfect- always going for that easy, rustic feel.

Toss the bread cubes in a large bowl with a generous amount of olive oil (I tend to use a lot). Then add the garlic, a heavy pinch of salt, and several cracks of pepper to the bowl and mix it all together.

Spread your croutons on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet (rimmed sheets are great for keeping these little guys from slipping off the pan, and foil makes the clean-up process way easier). You want them spread out and not too crowded.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. You will want to give them a good stir or shake about half way through to get all of the sides browned.

Set aside to cool while you make your soup.