Homemade croutons are a simple and delicious way to add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. In this article, I will guide you through a step-by-step recipe for making homemade croutons, as well as provide some tips to make crispy croutons.
1. Tips To Make Crispy Croutons
The best bread for making croutons is one that has a dense texture and a chewy crust, such as sourdough or French bread. Avoid using bread that is too soft or fluffy, as it will not hold up well when toasted.
Cut the bread into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure that they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. A good size is about 1/2 inch to 1 inch cubes.
Dry the bread cubes out in the oven or on the counter for a few hours before toasting to remove excess moisture. This will help them crisp up nicely and prevent them from getting soggy.
Toss the bread cubes in enough oil to coat them evenly. This will help the croutons brown and crisp up in the oven.
2. Homemade Croutons Recipe
Ingredients
- Day-old bread
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper (or any other seasonings of your choice)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes. You can remove the crusts if you prefer.
Drizzle enough olive oil or melted butter over the bread cubes to coat them evenly. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of oil or butter for every cup of bread cubes.
Sprinkle the bread cubes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can use garlic powder, dried herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese, for example.
Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded.
Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to toss them halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely before using them in your dish. Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
3. What To Do With Croutons
Croutons are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
Salads: Toss croutons with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing to add crunch and flavor.
Soups: Sprinkle croutons on top of your favorite soups, such as tomato soup or French onion soup, for an extra layer of texture.
Pasta dishes: Use croutons as a substitute for breadcrumbs in pasta dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara or baked ziti.
Breakfast dishes: Top your scrambled eggs, omelets, or avocado toast with croutons for a delicious breakfast.
Snacks: Eat croutons as a snack on their own or with dips, such as hummus or spinach and artichoke dip.
Stuffing: Use croutons as a base for your homemade stuffing during the holidays.
Garnish: Use croutons as a garnish for dishes like Caesar salad, or to add a decorative touch to other meals.
With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can make delicious and crispy croutons that will elevate your salads, soups, pasta dishes, and more. Plus, making your own croutons allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
