Homemade Croutons
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
10
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Calories
336 kcal
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Course
Condiments
Homemade Croutons
Description
Homemade Croutons start by gently heating olive oil with sliced garlic and dried oregano and basil to infuse flavor. After removing the garlic slices to avoid bitterness, the oil is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cubed sourdough bread is then evenly coated with the aromatic oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory edge. The bread is spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and baked at 350°F until golden and crisp, stirring halfway through for even browning. The addition of fresh chopped parsley after baking brightens the final product.
The final croutons offer a crunchy texture with herbal and cheesy notes, complementing salads, soups, or as a snack. Using sourdough bread provides a firm structure that holds up well during baking without becoming soggy.
After cooling, croutons store well for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be made with butter or a butter and oil combination for variation. Adjusting dried seasoning quantities or choosing to omit fresh garlic or parsley affects how long the croutons keep.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or butter, or combination
- 3 cloves garlic , cut in slices
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano crumbled with fingers, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon basil crumbled with fingers, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme crumbled with fingers, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
- 4 cups sourdough bread cut or torn into 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes depending on size preference (or cut into strips for dipping, cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Heat the oil, garlic, dried oregano and dried basil in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the garlic is very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be careful the garlic doesn't burn or it will be bitter. Discard the garlic slices. Stir in the salt and pepper.
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and pour the flavored oil over them, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to evenly coat. Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the croutons have turned golden, stirring them halfway into baking. Let the cool completely. Use immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep for up to a week. Note: If you're opting for one of the dry seasoning options mentioned in the blog post (in other words, not using fresh garlic or fresh parsley), the croutons will keep for up to 2 weeks.Makes about 4 cups croutons.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 336 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 336kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 609mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 152mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 129IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 148mg | 15% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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