Cheese Croûtons

This easy recipe for cheesy croûtons will make it hard to go back to store-bought.

2 Tbsp. butter
2-3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed
4-5 cups stale peasant bread, torn
2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
¼-½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
½ cup Gruyère or Pecorino cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. thyme, finely chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat, melt butter into oil and add garlic, swirl for a minute or 2.

Remove pan from the heat and add bread and toss to coat, then add black or red pepper (if using) and cheeses and toss again.

Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy, 7-10 minutes. If using thyme, sprinkle on while cheese is still hot; let cool.

Makes 4-6 servings.