What is "crouton"?

Croutons are small cubes or pieces of bread that are toasted or fried until they are crispy and golden brown. The bread used for croutons is typically a stale or day-old bread that has been sliced into small cubes or torn into small pieces. The croutons are then tossed with oil or butter, and seasoned with herbs and spices, such as garlic, oregano, or thyme. Croutons are often used as a garnish for soups and salads, providing a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the soft texture of the soup or salad. They can also be used as a topping for casseroles or as a snack on their own. Croutons are a simple and easy-to-make food item that can be customized with a variety of different flavors and seasonings to suit individual tastes.