Homemade Crunchy Croutons Recipe

Introduction

Homemade croutons are a simple and delicious way to add crunch and flavor to your salads, soups, and snacks. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make fresh croutons tailored to your taste in no time.

Ingredients

• Bread (any kind, about 4 cups cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Seasoning of choice (such as salt, garlic powder, dried herbs)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes.
2. Step 2: Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and your chosen seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crunchy.
5. Step 5: Let cool completely before using or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use stale or day-old bread for better texture and less moisture.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra savory touch.
• Try different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika to customize flavors.

Storage

Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To refresh them, bake briefly at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread?

Yes, most breads work well for croutons, including white, whole wheat, sourdough, or baguette. Choose your favorite for different textures and flavors.

How do I keep croutons from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the croutons until they are thoroughly dry and crisp. Store them in an airtight container and add them to salads or soups just before serving to maintain crunch.

Homemade Crunchy Croutons Recipe

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4.7 from 106 reviews

Learn how to make simple and delicious homemade croutons using basic ingredients and a quick baking method. Perfect for adding a crispy texture and rich flavor to salads, soups, and more.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups of croutons 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread, cubed (day-old or fresh bread works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon seasoning (such as garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper mix)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. Using slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it crisps up nicely during baking.
2. Season the Bread: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning until evenly coated. This will ensure they are flavorful and crisp.
3. Bake the Croutons: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the croutons turn golden brown and crunchy. Stir halfway through baking for even crispness.

Notes

• You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adding parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs.
• Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
• If you prefer, you can also pan-fry the bread cubes with olive oil over medium heat for an alternative cooking method.

Keywords: homemade croutons, baked croutons, salad topping, crunchy bread cubes, easy snack