Introduction
Croutons are a delightful addition to salads, soups, and various dishes, adding both texture and flavor. Making homemade croutons is simple and allows you to customize them with your favorite seasonings. This recipe offers a delicious method to transform rustic bread into crispy cubes that can elevate your meals.
Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 3 cups rustic bread or baguette, crust removed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
Optional Seasonings:
– Crushed red pepper
– Herbs de Provence
– Basil
– Thyme
– Rosemary
– Chili powder
– Onion powder
– 4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15-25 minutes
Total Time
30-40 minutes
Yield
Approximately 4 cups of croutons
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the middle.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Strain the garlic-infused olive oil through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing the garlic to extract as much oil as possible. Reserve the garlic for another use.
4. Melt the butter in a small bowl using a microwave at 30% power for 20-40 seconds, watching closely to prevent bubbling over. Add the melted butter to the garlic-infused olive oil and stir well.
5. Season the butter and oil mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and your choice of optional seasonings.
6. Add the bread cubes to the seasoned mixture and toss until evenly coated.
7. Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp, stirring occasionally.
9. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and toss to coat.
10. Allow the croutons to cool completely before serving or storing.
Enjoy your homemade croutons as a wonderful topping for salads and soups, or simply as a savory snack!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the middle.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Strain the garlic-infused olive oil through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing the garlic to extract as much oil as possible. Reserve the garlic for another use.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a small bowl using a microwave at 30% power for 20-40 seconds, watching closely to prevent bubbling over. Add the melted butter to the garlic-infused olive oil and stir well.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Season the butter and oil mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and your choice of optional seasonings.
Step 6: Coat the Bread Cubes
Add the bread cubes to the seasoned mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake the Croutons
Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Step 9: Add Parmesan Cheese
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and toss to coat.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Allow the croutons to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Storage
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Customization
Feel free to mix and match optional seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Alternative Uses
Reserved garlic can be used in other recipes such as soups, sauces, or sautés for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Infusing Oil
Whisk together olive oil and minced garlic, then strain to create a flavorful garlic-infused oil.
Melting Butter
Melt butter in the microwave at low power to avoid bubbling over, ensuring it is fully liquid before adding it to other ingredients.
Seasoning
Enhance the flavor of the butter and oil mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and a variety of optional seasonings to suit your taste.
Tossing Ingredients
Coat the bread cubes evenly by tossing them with the seasoned oil and butter mixture, ensuring every piece is well-covered for optimal flavor.
Baking
Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crisp, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Finishing Touch
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the croutons right after baking for an extra layer of flavor, tossing them to coat evenly.
FAQ
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of rustic bread or baguette, but it’s best to use bread that has a sturdy crust for optimal texture.
How do I store leftover croutons?
Allow the croutons to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I add different seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking, experimenting with herbs and spices you enjoy.
How can I make the croutons spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper or chili powder to the oil and butter mixture to enhance the heat.
What are some ways to use croutons?
Croutons can be used to add crunch to salads, soups, or stews, or they can be snacked on as a tasty treat.
Conclusion
These homemade croutons are a delicious and versatile addition to any salad or soup. With a simple blend of garlic-infused olive oil and butter, they achieve a perfect crunchy texture and rich flavor. Customizing the seasonings offers endless possibilities for creating a personalized touch to your dishes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Infused Croutons
Add a mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and herbs de Provence for a fragrant herbaceous flavor that complements a variety of salads.
Spicy Garlic Croutons
Incorporate crushed red pepper along with the garlic-olive oil mixture for a spicy kick that can elevate your soups.
Cheesy Italian Croutons
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top of the croutons before baking to create an extra cheesy and savory crunch.
Vegan-Friendly Croutons
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Chili-Lime Croutons
Add chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the oil mixture for a zesty and vibrant twist suitable for southwestern salads.
Onion and Garlic Croutons
Mix in onion powder along with garlic for a hearty flavor that pairs well with creamy soups and salads.
