Ever find yourself with a loaf of bread that’s one day shy of becoming one with the crouton gods? Well, today, we’re turning that perfectly stale situation into something fabulously crunchy and utterly delicious.
I love transforming day-old bread into crunchy homemade croutons. By tossing cubed bread with extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, and a blend of Italian herbs, then baking them to crispy perfection, you create a flavorful addition to any salad or soup.
The touch of Parmesan cheese is optional, but I think it adds a delightful savory finish.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe Ingredients
- Day-old bread: Provides carbohydrates and fiber; perfect for crouton texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Heart-healthy fats; enhances flavor and adds crispiness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory aroma; offers antioxidant properties.
- Dried Italian herbs: Adds fragrant flavor; contains antioxidants.
- Salt: Enhances flavor; use moderately for sodium control.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat; contains antioxidants.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness; provides protein and calcium.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make this Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, making sure the pieces are roughly equal in size to ensure even baking.
3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes, tossing them gently to ensure they are lightly and evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the oiled bread cubes.
5. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it at this stage. Toss the bread cubes again to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheese.
6. Spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece for optimal crispiness.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the croutons for about 12-15 minutes.
8. Halfway through the baking time, stir the croutons gently to promote even browning on all sides.
9. After 15 minutes, check for a golden brown color and a crunchy texture. If not quite done, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week or enjoy immediately in your favorite salads or soups.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Spoon or spatula
10. Airtight container
FAQ
- Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
A: It’s best to use day-old bread as it is drier and holds up better when baked. Fresh bread can become too soft after adding oil. - Q: What type of bread is best for making croutons?
A: Rustic or artisan-style bread such as sourdough or ciabatta works well due to their sturdy texture. - Q: Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
A: Yes, melted butter can be used for a richer flavor, but olive oil is often preferred for a lighter and more Mediterranean taste. - Q: How do I store homemade croutons?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. - Q: Can I make these croutons gluten-free?
A: Absolutely, simply use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of the croutons. - Q: Should I add the Parmesan cheese before or after baking?
A: It can be added before baking to melt slightly onto the croutons, enhancing their flavor. - Q: Can these be made vegan?
A: Yes, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute to keep it vegan.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Replace extra virgin olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic for a more intense taste.
- Use a mix of rosemary and thyme instead of dried Italian herbs for an earthy aroma.
- Swap salt for garlic or onion salt for added flavor complexity.
- Try Pecorino Romano as a substitute for Parmesan cheese if you prefer a sharper taste.
Pro Tips
1. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano on hand, consider using them in addition to or in place of the dried herbs for a more vibrant and fresh flavor. Chop them finely and add towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.
2. Infuse Olive Oil for More Depth: Before drizzling the olive oil over the bread cubes, gently heat it with a smashed clove of garlic and fresh herbs. Let it cool slightly, then strain and use. This will infuse extra depth of flavor.
3. Customize with Additional Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or even lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
4. Vary the Bread for Different Textures: Try using a mix of bread types, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or rye, to achieve varied textures and flavors in your croutons.
5. Allow Thorough Cooling for Maximum Crunch: Once baked, let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. This ensures they become extra crispy, as the cooling process allows them to lose any residual moisture.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe
My favorite Crunchy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Spoon or spatula
10. Airtight container
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, making sure the pieces are roughly equal in size to ensure even baking.
3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes, tossing them gently to ensure they are lightly and evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the oiled bread cubes.
5. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it at this stage. Toss the bread cubes again to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheese.
6. Spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece for optimal crispiness.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the croutons for about 12-15 minutes.
8. Halfway through the baking time, stir the croutons gently to promote even browning on all sides.
9. After 15 minutes, check for a golden brown color and a crunchy texture. If not quite done, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week or enjoy immediately in your favorite salads or soups.
