Elevate your salads and soups to new heights of flavor and crunch with our homemade croutons recipe. These golden nuggets of crispy delight are a testament to the magic of repurposing day-old bread into a culinary masterpiece. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, we’ll guide you through transforming humble bread slices into aromatic, seasoned croutons that add texture and taste to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply crave that irresistible crunch, our recipe invites you to embark on a journey of homemade crouton perfection, ensuring every bite is a crispy, seasoned sensation.
Croutons recipe made at home
Croutons are small pieces of bread that are typically seasoned and toasted or fried until they become crispy and golden brown. They are often used as a topping for salads, soups, and various other dishes to add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. Croutons can be made from various types of bread, including baguettes, white bread, whole wheat bread, or sourdough. Seasonings commonly used for croutons include garlic, herbs, olive oil, butter, and salt. Croutons are a versatile ingredient that can elevate the texture and taste of a wide range of dishes, from Caesar salads to creamy tomato soups, making them a beloved addition to many cuisines worldwide.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed bread (about 4 slices of day-old bread)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional, for garlic croutons)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Start by cutting your day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. You can remove the crusts if you prefer croutons without them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic (if using), dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Be sure to check and stir them occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Once the croutons are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will become even crispier as they cool.
- Once fully cooled, store your homemade croutons in an airtight container. They can be kept for several weeks.These homemade croutons are perfect for adding a delightful crunch and flavor to your salads, soups, or even as a tasty snack.
Video
Notes
One important thing to note when making croutons is to ensure that your bread cubes are evenly coated with the oil or butter and seasonings. This helps ensure that they brown uniformly in the oven and have a consistent flavor. Be sure to toss and mix the bread cubes thoroughly in the seasoning mixture to avoid having some croutons too heavily seasoned while others have little flavor. Additionally, keep an eye on them while baking and stir occasionally to prevent uneven browning and burning. This attention to even coating and even baking will result in perfectly crispy and delicious croutons.
Nutrition
Serving: 75g
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