Croutons are the unsung heroes of salads, soups, and snacks, adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to every bite. While store-bought croutons can be convenient, nothing beats the satisfaction of making your batch from scratch. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your dishes with these homemade croutons that are sure to ignite your taste buds!
Homemade Croutons Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 generous cups bread try a baguette or any good crusty bread cut into croutons.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese.
Instructions
- Set oven temperature to 375°F. Set aside a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the olive oil over the bread chunks in a big bowl in a uniform layer. The bread should then have an even layer of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gradually until well mixed.
- On a baking sheet, arrange the bread cubes in a single layer.
- Bake until golden, rotating the croutons midway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Depending on the thickness of the cubes, cooking time will vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
- Take out of the oven and give it time to cool down. Store in an airtight jar for up to one week or use right away.
Notes
- If you’d like, you can use fresh garlic. Use two to three minced cloves of garlic.
- This quantity of croutons, in my estimation, serves roughly six people (enough for a large salad or a couple smaller ones). Of course, how much a person eats is entirely subjective. It’s easy to double the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 197kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 292mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Calcium | 42mg |
| Vitamin A | 84IU |
| Potassium | 226mg |
How to Store Homemade Croutons
You can freeze homemade salad croutons for up to two months, or store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. To use, defrost and crisp up the frozen croutons on a baking sheet at 300°F.
How to Make Croutons on the Stove
Remove the garlic slivers and add the bread cubes to the skillet with the oil flavored with garlic to make homemade croutons on the stovetop. The cubes should be heated to medium-high heat and cooked for about 10 minutes, tossing every few minutes, until golden brown. Reintroduce and mix with seasonings in the bowl.