Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made from day-old rustic bread, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and optionally Parmesan cheese. Perfect for adding a crunchy texture to salads, soups, or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or any rustic bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons.
- Cube Bread: Cut the day-old bread into small, even-sized cubes about 3/4 inch thick to ensure uniform cooking.
- Toss with Oil or Butter: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until they are well coated for even crisping and flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper over the bread cubes and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss the mixture once more to incorporate the cheese into the cubes.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing the croutons halfway through the baking time to allow all sides to become golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Store: Let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture and to prevent the croutons from becoming too soft.
- You can customize seasonings to your taste, such as adding smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory flavor.
- Perfect for topping Caesar salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack on their own.