Description
Crispy, flavorful homemade croutons made from crusty bread, tossed with a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for salads, soups, or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 12 oz crusty bread loaf
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Oil and Seasonings: In a small dish, combine the extra virgin olive oil with Italian seasoning, garlic powder (or minced garlic), sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to infuse the flavors into the oil as you prepare the bread.
- Cut the Bread: Tear the crusty bread into rustic pieces or cut into 3/4-inch cubes using a serrated knife. Retain the crusts to add extra crunch and texture. Place the bread pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Coat the Bread: Drizzle the seasoned olive oil evenly over the bread cubes. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread the coated bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 375ËšF (190ËšC) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning. Bake until the croutons are crisp and fully dried out; baking times may vary based on bread type and cube size.
- Cool and Store: Allow the baked croutons to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container or a large zip-top bag. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture and crunch in your croutons.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parmesan cheese.
- Ensure even coating of oil to prevent dry spots and achieve uniform crispiness.
- Store croutons in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for longer.
- Baking times may vary depending on your oven and bread type, so watch closely after 15 minutes.
