Easy Homemade Croutons

If you’re looking for a simple way to add a crunchy and flavorful touch to your salads, soups, or even just as a snack, homemade croutons are the answer. These crispy bread cubes are incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic garlic and herb flavor or something more unique like Parmesan and black pepper, you can easily make your own croutons at home.

The beauty of making your own croutons is that you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, from stale baguettes to leftover sandwich bread. Simply cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them with some olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.

To enhance the flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, or a dash of paprika. Once seasoned, spread the bread cubes onto a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they turn golden and crispy. The result is a delicious and satisfying crunch that will take your salads and soups to the next level.

Why make your own croutons at home

Here are a few reasons why making your own croutons is worth the effort:

• Freshness: Store-bought croutons can be stale and lack the desired texture. By making your own croutons, you can ensure that they are always fresh and crispy.
• Flavor: Homemade croutons give you the freedom to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. You can add herbs, spices, or even cheese to create a unique taste that complements your dish.
• Quality ingredients: When you make croutons at home, you have control over the quality of the ingredients used. This means you can choose to use whole-grain bread or artisan bread, which provides more nutrients and a richer flavor compared to processed white bread.
• Reducing waste: Making your own croutons is a great way to use up stale bread that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of throwing it away, you can transform it into a delicious topping for your meals.
• Cost-effective: Buying a bag of pre-made croutons may seem convenient, but it can be more expensive in the long run. By making your own, you can save money and ensure that you have croutons on hand whenever you need them.

Ingredients and equipment needed

Ingredients:

• Stale bread: Use any type of bread you prefer, such as French bread, ciabatta, or sourdough.
• Olive oil: This will help the croutons become crispy and golden.
• Seasonings: Add flavor to your croutons with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other herbs and spices you like.

These basic ingredients can be customized according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of bread and seasonings to create unique flavors.

Equipment:

Creating homemade croutons requires some basic equipment that you likely already have in your kitchen:

• Baking sheet: A baking sheet or cookie sheet will be used to bake the croutons in the oven.
• Knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the bread into cubes or slices. A serrated knife works best for this task.
• Bowl: A mixing bowl will be used to toss the bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings.
• Basting brush or spoon: This will be used to evenly coat the bread cubes with olive oil.
• Oven: You will need an oven to bake the croutons until they are crispy and golden.

Having these essential ingredients and equipment ready will streamline the process of making homemade croutons and ensure that you have everything you need to create a tasty and satisfying addition to your meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Croutons

1. Gather your ingredients:

To make homemade croutons, you will need:

• Stale bread
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

2. Preheat your oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it’s hot enough to make the croutons crispy.

3. Prepare the bread:

Cut the stale bread into small, bite-sized cubes. You can remove the crusts if you prefer softer croutons, or leave them on for a more rustic texture.

4. Season the bread:

In a large bowl, drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil. Use enough olive oil to lightly coat each cube, but be careful not to saturate them. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the bread cubes, and toss them gently to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.

5. Bake the croutons:

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may want to toss them halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly.

6. Cool and store:

Once the croutons are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This will allow them to become even crispier. Once cooled, transfer the croutons to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.