Homemade croutons are an easy and tasty way to use up leftover bread. They can be used as a topping for salads or soups, or simply as a crunchy snack. Making croutons at home is also more cost-effective than buying them pre-made. This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Croutons
Equipment
- 11 Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 slices friendly bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the slices of bread into medium-size chunks.
- Coat the inside of the Dutch oven with the oil. Set it to390degreesF and allow it to heat up
- Place the chunks inside and shallow fry for at least 8 minutes.
- Serve with hot soup.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Homemade Croutons
To make croutons, start by cutting bread into small cubes. You can use any type of bread, but crusty bread like French bread or sourdough works best. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter and seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
Croutons can also be fried in a pan on the stovetop. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat and add the bread cubes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the croutons are crispy and golden brown.
Homemade croutons are a great way to use up leftover bread and add a flavorful crunch to your favorite
dishes. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to complement different types of dishes.
Some tips to make homemade croutons
- Choose the right bread: For the best results, use a dense bread such as sourdough or French bread that has a firm texture and won’t turn mushy when baked.
- Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes: This will ensure that the croutons cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
- Use enough oil: Toss the bread cubes in enough oil to lightly coat them, but not so much that they are dripping with oil.
- Season well: Don’t be afraid to add plenty of seasoning to your croutons. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese are all great options.
- Bake at a high temperature: Bake the croutons at a high temperature, around 375-400°F, to ensure that they get crispy and golden brown.
- Stir halfway through baking: Stir the croutons halfway through the baking time to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides.
- Let cool before storing: Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help them stay crisp for longer.
Serving suggestions
Croutons are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for croutons:
- Toss them in a salad: Croutons can add a crunchy texture to any salad, from Caesar salad to a simple mixed greens salad.
- Top a soup or stew: Sprinkle croutons on top of your favorite soup or stew for added texture and flavor.
- Add to a pasta dish: Croutons can be a delicious addition to pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or a tomato-based pasta.
- Use as a garnish: Top deviled eggs or mashed potatoes with croutons for a tasty and unexpected twist.
- Eat as a snack: Croutons can be enjoyed on their own as a crunchy and flavorful snack.
- Make a stuffing: Croutons can be used as a base for a delicious homemade stuffing for your holiday turkey or chicken.
- Use as a coating: Crush croutons and use them as a coating for fried chicken, pork chops, or fish for a tasty and crispy texture.
Overall, croutons are a versatile ingredient that can add texture, flavor, and crunch to many different dishes.
Homemade croutons are a great way to use up leftover bread and add a flavorful crunch to your favorite dishes. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to complement different types of dishes.