Slice your stick of butter into 4 cubes (it melts more evenly this way) and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 1 minute or until the butter is fully melted.
Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to melted butter. Stir well.
Place the bread chunks in a large mixing bowl and pour the melted butter mixture over the top, being sure to not pour it all in one place.
Using your hand or a rubber spatula, gently fold the bread pieces until they’re coated with a bit of the butter and seasoning.
Cover your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the bread cubes evenly on the pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.
Notes
Stale Bread: You can make croutons with leftover bread or stale bread. Just make sure it isn't moldy for the best crouton recipe.
Substitutions: Try substituting fresh herbs for dried Italian herbs, oil instead of butter, or reduced-fat butter so you can love the croutons. Evenly
Stirring: Wearing a rubber glove, use your hand to stir the croutons before baking in order to distribute the butter mixture more thoroughly.
Baking: One side of the croutons will turn out darker than the other. If you want the coloring to be even, flip the croutons halfway through baking.
Fresh Garlic: You can make this recipe with fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Just mince some garlic cloves and spread them over your croutons.