Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made from day-old rustic bread, tossed in olive oil, herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, and more.
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 the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the croutons evenly.
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut the day-old bread into small, even-sized cubes, approximately 3/4 inch thick, for uniform baking.
- Coat Bread with Oil: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until each piece is well coated.
- Season the Bread: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the bread cubes. Toss thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and toss again to incorporate the cheese.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake the Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through, toss the cubes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and let the croutons cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread is best as it holds up better during baking and crisps nicely.
- You can customize seasonings to your taste by adding paprika, cayenne, or dried parsley.
- Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crunch.
- These croutons are perfect for topping salads, soups, or eating as a crunchy snack.
