Homemade Croutons
User Reviews
5
Homemade Croutons
Description
This Homemade Croutons recipe uses half a loaf of French bread, cut into medium cubes, avoiding tough crusts. The bread cubes are coated with a warm mixture of olive oil, butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to impart both richness and seasoning. Baking the cubes at 350°F first for 15 minutes, then an additional 5 to 10 minutes after stirring, results in croutons that are crisp and lightly golden, suitable for enhancing textures in salads or soups.
An optional garlic version adds chopped garlic to the butter and oil mixture, simmered briefly to develop aroma without browning, then strained before coating the bread. Fresh or dried herbs may be added to the butter to provide herbal notes, with examples including thyme, basil, or dill. Spice blends such as smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or Za'atar can provide a regional or smoky flavor twist. Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled partway through baking for a cheesy crust, while a sweet cinnamon-sugar variation uses melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mix instead of oil and salt seasoning.
These croutons store well at room temperature for a few days or longer in the refrigerator or freezer. They offer a simple way to use leftover bread and enhance homemade dishes with a crunchy garnish. Adjust seasoning and additions to suit personal taste and the dish you plan to serve them with.
Ingredients
Basic Croutons
- 1/2 loaf French bread (such as baguette or batard, about 8 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt , plus additional for finishing (if desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly-ground or cracked
Garlic Croutons
- 2 large cloves garlic , chopped
Instructions
Basic Croutons
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut bread into 3/4-inch cubes, discarding any very tough crusts. You should have about 3 cups of cubes.
- Melt together olive oil and butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon each kosher or sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Toss bread cubes on a baking sheet with butter mixture. Spread cubes into an even layer and bake for 15 minutes. Stir cubes and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, until dry and light golden brown. (Baking times may vary by loaf.)
- While hot, sprinkle with additional kosher or sea salt and pepper, if desired. Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.
Garlic Croutons
- Add garlic to the seasoned melted butter and olive oil mixture. Simmer for 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant, but not brown. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for 20 minutes.
- Strain garlic from butter/oil mixture through a mesh sieve, pressing on the garlic pieces with the back of a spoon. Discard the garlic and continue with the recipe as written.
- Short on time? Alternatively, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (add additional, to taste, if you like a stronger garlic flavor) instead of fresh chopped garlic. No need to steep.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or dill to the warm butter mixture for herb-flavored croutons before tossing with bread cubes.
- Use dried herbs sparingly, starting with about 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting for potency and scent.
- To add smoky or spicy notes, incorporate spices such as smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or Za'atar, beginning with 1/4 teaspoon and adjusting to taste.
- For Parmesan croutons, sprinkle grated cheese halfway through baking to achieve a toasted cheesy crust.
- To make cinnamon-sugar croutons, replace olive oil with 1/4 cup melted butter and coat bread cubes with sugar and cinnamon mix before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3cups croutons
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 335kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 537mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 85mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 350IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.4mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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