Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made from cubed bread tossed in olive oil and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cubed Bread (Use slightly stale bread for best results.)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Can substitute with melted butter.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust based on preference for garlic.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Adjust according to spice preference.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons.
- Cube Bread: Cut your bread into cubes, aiming for ½ to 1-inch pieces to ensure even baking and crunch.
- Toss Bread with Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the bread cubes and toss until well-coated with the seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Check and Continue Baking: Check for a golden brown and crunchy texture; if needed, bake longer in 2-3 minute increments until desired crispness is achieved.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread results in the best texture and crunch for croutons.
- You can substitute extra virgin olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust garlic powder and black pepper quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to one week.
- These croutons can be used to enhance salads, soups, or enjoyed as a snack.
