Easy Homemade Croutons
Croutons are the delightful little bites that can take a salad from good to great, add a satisfying crunch to soups, and transform any dish into a culinary masterpiece. Making your own croutons at home is not only incredibly easy, but it also allows you to customize flavors to your liking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of Easy Homemade Croutons that will elevate your meals in no time. Let’s dive into this straightforward recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this recipe for Easy Homemade Croutons stand out is its simplicity and versatility. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, whether it’s a crusty baguette, a hearty whole grain loaf, or even leftover sandwich bread. The combination of olive oil, spices, and herbs creates a flavor-packed crouton that can complement any dish. Plus, these croutons can be adjusted according to your taste preferences, making them a fantastic addition to salads, soups, and even as a topping for casseroles.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 8 cups cubed bread (your choice of bread)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the bread cubes with oil and seasonings.
- Baking Sheet: To spread the croutons out for even baking.
- Oven: To toast the croutons to perfection.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing and flipping the croutons during baking.
Easy Homemade Croutons Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for getting that perfect golden-brown crouton without burning them.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Take your cubed bread and place it in a large mixing bowl. If your bread is a bit stale, that’s even better! Stale bread holds up well and offers a great texture.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In the bowl with the cubed bread, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Then, sprinkle in the kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Spread on a Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded; this helps them toast evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Stir
Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the baking time, give them a good stir to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Seasonal Serving Ideas
- Top a hearty winter Creamy Spinach Artichoke Tortellini Bake with croutons for a comforting touch.
- Add croutons to a fresh summer salad, like a Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad, for that perfect crunch.
- Use them as a garnish for soups in the fall, enhancing flavors and textures.
- Mix croutons into a winter vegetable casserole for added depth and crunch.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this will steam the croutons instead of toasting them.
- Avoid using too much oil; you want them to be coated, not soggy.
- Do not skip the stirring halfway through baking; it’s essential for even coloring.
- Don’t leave them in the oven too long; burnt croutons are not tasty!
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Easy Homemade Croutons fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator as moisture can make them soggy. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them in a sealed bag. When ready to use, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Quick Questions
Can I use any type of bread for croutons?
Absolutely! You can use any bread you have on hand, including white, whole grain, or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure it’s cubed and preferably a bit stale for the best texture.
How can I customize the flavors of my croutons?
You can experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How do I know when the croutons are done baking?
The croutons should be golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Can I make croutons in advance?
Yes, you can make Easy Homemade Croutons in advance. They store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them a great option for meal prep.
Serve with These
- Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad
- Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Tortellini Bake
- Caesar salad
- Tomato soup
Bring It Home
With just a few ingredients, you can create Easy Homemade Croutons that will enhance your meals and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re adding them to a salad, soup, or casserole, these crispy bites are sure to delight your taste buds. The best part? You have complete control over the flavors, allowing you to customize them to pair perfectly with any dish. So next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these croutons; your meals will thank you!
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Easy Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for perfect golden-brown croutons.
- Step 2: Place cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Stale bread works best!
- Step 3: Drizzle in olive oil and sprinkle salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
- Step 6: Allow croutons to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices.
- To keep croutons crispy, avoid refrigerating them.
