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Croutons are such a great addition to salads, soups, and even as a tasty crunchy snack on their own. While store-bought croutons can be convenient, nothing beats the taste and freshness of homemade croutons (or most things, really!) Making croutons at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavor to suit your taste. In this article, we’ll walk you through the easiest homemade croutons recipe, providing tips for perfecting your croutons every time. Maybe put it on top of this salad?
Why Make Homemade Croutons?
Homemade croutons have several advantages over their store-bought counterparts:
- Freshness: Homemade croutons are fresher and have a better texture.
- Customization: You can control the seasoning and type of bread used. Play around with flavors and find your perfect combination!
- No Preservatives: Store-bought croutons often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: Making croutons at home can be more economical, especially if using leftover bread.
Tips for Perfect Croutons
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread or slightly stale bread makes the best croutons because it absorbs the seasoning well and becomes extra crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the croutons while baking to prevent burning. They can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique crouton flavors. Try adding parmesan cheese, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade croutons are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for how to use them:
- Salads: Add a handful of croutons to Caesar salad, garden salad, or any mixed greens for extra crunch and flavor.
- Soups: Top creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash, or potato leek soup with croutons for added texture.
- Snacks: Enjoy them as a crispy snack on their own or with a dip.
- Casseroles: Use croutons as a crunchy topping for baked casseroles and gratins.
The Easiest Homemade Croutons Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups of bread cubes any type of bread, preferably day-old or stale
- 1/4 cup of olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- Start with your favorite type of bread. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it holds up well during baking. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
Season the Bread
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic (if using), dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoned oil mixture.
Bake the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the cubes halfway through to ensure even browning. Bake until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Store
- Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade croutons is a super simple and rewarding thing to make from scratch that enhances your salads, soups, and snacks. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create crispy, flavorful croutons that far surpass store-bought versions. We promise it’s really not hard. Try this easy homemade croutons recipe and enjoy the delicious difference that fresh homemade brings.