Ah, croutons. Those crunchy little cubes that somehow have the power to elevate a simple salad into a culinary masterpiece—or at least make it feel that way. I remember the first time I made garlic butter croutons at home; my kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian bistro, and I couldn’t stop snacking on them before they even made it to the table. It’s like the bread decided to put on its fanciest outfit for the night.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cut a loaf of bread into 3/4-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the bread cubes with 1/4 cup of olive oil and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Toss the bread cubes gently so that they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the croutons until they are golden brown, turning them once halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are evenly toasted. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Use the croutons immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (approximately 12 ounces), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (either homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
FAQ
- What type of bread can I use to make homemade croutons?
- You can use any type of bread you have on hand, even if it’s gluten-free. It’s best if the bread is at least a day or two old.
- What seasonings work best for croutons?
- Seasonings are completely up to your taste. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are popular choices. You can also try Italian seasoning, blackening seasoning, or even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese.
- How do I bake croutons to get the right texture?
- Dice your bread into uniform cubes, toss them with oil and seasonings, and spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 375°F, flipping them halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- How should I store homemade croutons?
- Let the croutons cool to room temperature before storing them in a sealed container. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
- What dishes can I use croutons in?
- Croutons are perfect for topping salads, especially Caesar salad, adding to soups like tomato soup or gazpacho, or incorporating into stuffings and casseroles during the holidays. You can also crush them to make breadcrumbs.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. It absorbs the oil and seasonings better, resulting in flavorful croutons.
- Ensure even sizing of the bread cubes to achieve consistent cooking. Uneven sizes can lead to some croutons being overcooked while others remain underdone.
- Experiment with different seasonings. While garlic powder, salt, and pepper are classic choices, try adding Italian herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a unique twist.
- Monitor the baking process closely to prevent burning, adjusting the temperature and duration as needed based on the size and thickness of the bread cubes.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper: Used for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Large Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading out the bread cubes in a single layer for even baking.
