Croutons Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that a great salad or soup is only as good as the croutons you toss on top, and with this easy homemade crouton recipe, you’re just a few simple steps away from crunchy, savory perfection.

I adore taking stale bread and turning it into croutons. Leftover bread, once it’s too day-old to be enjoyed in any bread-related capacity, is perfect for this task.

Its texture, more sponge-like and less fragile than fresh bread, allows the croutons to hold together and be satisfyingly crunchy. Day-old bread is also the ultimate candidate for flavoring, since it has so much more flavor than even the best-tasting fresh bread when it’s toasted or fried.

And c’est la vie—overabundant stale bread is a savory and satisfactory problem to solve.

Ingredients

• Bread: High in carbohydrates, provides structure and texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and richness, enhances flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts flavor with a savory, aromatic punch.
• Italian Herbs: Infuses herby aroma, offers antioxidants and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, balances flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds slight heat, depth, and complexity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

How to Make this

1. Get your oven to 375°F (190°C) ahead of time.

2. In a large mixing bowl, place the cubed bread.

3. Spoon the olive oil over the bread cubes.

4. Dust the bread with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

5. Ensure the oil and seasonings coat the bread cubes evenly by tossing them well.

6. Place the bread cubes that you have seasoned in a single layer on a baking sheet.

7. Put the baking sheet in the oven that has been preheated.

8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons turn golden brown and are crispy.

9. Take the croutons out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.

10. Once they have cooled, store the items in an airtight container or use them right away in the salads or soups that you adore.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Spoon
5. Baking sheet
6. Airtight container

FAQ

• Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?Indeed, fresh bread can be used; however, bread that is a day old is better suited for this purpose. This is because the day-old bread is drier and therefore more likely to crisp up nicely without becoming soggy.
• Can I substitute butter for olive oil?Indeed, the rich flavor of melted butter can easily replace that of olive oil in this recipe. Just be sure to give the cubed bread a thorough tossing; otherwise, you might end up with some unevenly buttered toast.
• How do I store the croutons?Keep the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay crunchy for up to one week. After that, their texture is likely to suffer.
• Can I make croutons without using an oven?It is possible to make croutons on the stovetop. To do this, you would pan-fry them in a large skillet over medium heat until they were golden and crispy.
• What type of bread is best for croutons?Bread with a sturdy texture works well, but any kind of closely textured bread will do. French bread, sourdough, an Italian loaf, or even a Panettone will set your afternoon snacking off on the right foot.
• Can I add cheese to the croutons?Certainly, you can use grated Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. It should be added halfway through the baking process to prevent it from burning.
• What dishes can I use croutons in?Casseroles, soups, and salads are all improved by the presence of croutons. Whether you want to speak of croutons in the singular or the plural, these toasted bits of bread are versatile ingredients that can impart a whole series of flavors, depending on how you season them.

Croutons Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For a richer flavor, melted butter can replace olive oil.
Minced fresh garlic can serve as a substitute for garlic powder, with the amount used being about 2-3 cloves.
A combination of fresh, chopped herbs can take the place of dried Italian herbs; use about 1 tablespoon each of fresh basil, thyme, and oregano.
Garlic salt can be used instead of salt for an even greater punch of garlic flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes can be used in place of black pepper to provide a spicier kick.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Bread For the best results, use a hearty bread like sourdough or a rustic French loaf. These types have a good structure that holds up well when baking and yields a deliciously crunchy crouton.

2. Infuse the Oil Before tossing the bread cubes, consider gently heating the olive oil with the garlic powder and Italian herbs. This helps to release the flavors in the herbs and garlic, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful coating.

3. Even Coating Use your hands to toss the bread cubes with the oil and seasoning. This ensures that each piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor and crispiness.

4. Layer the Baking Sheet Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent any sticking, ensuring an even bake for the croutons.

5. Stir for Consistent Browning Stirring the croutons halfway through baking not only promotes even browning but also prevents any from burning, giving all sides a chance to crisp up equally.