Introduction
Croutons are a delightful addition to salads, soups, and various dishes, bringing in an irresistible crunch and flavor. Making your own croutons at home is simple and allows you to customize the seasonings to suit your taste. This article provides a straightforward recipe for delicious homemade croutons, perfect for elevating your meals.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
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
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 cups of croutons
Making your own croutons not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Customize them with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique touch. Enjoy your crunchy creations!
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 Garlic
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 strained garlic for another use.
Step 4: Melt Butter
Melt the butter in a small bowl using a microwave at 30% power for 20-40 seconds, watching closely to prevent overflow. 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, freshly ground black pepper, and your choice of optional seasonings.
Step 6: Coat Bread Cubes
Add the bread cubes to the seasoned mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 7: Spread on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
Step 9: Add Parmesan
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
Tip for Garlic-Infused Oil
Be careful not to overheat the oil while infusing it with garlic, as this can change the flavor profile.
Storage Suggestions
Once cooled, store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your croutons.
Cook techniques
Infusing Olive Oil
Combine extra-virgin olive oil with minced garlic and let it sit to infuse flavors. Straining it through a fine mesh sieve ensures a smooth oil without garlic chunks.
Melting Butter
Melt unsalted butter gently in the microwave at low power (30%) to prevent it from overflowing. This method allows for controlled melting without separation.
Seasoning the Mixture
Season the butter and oil mixture with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and optional spices to enhance the flavor profile.
Tossing Bread Cubes
Thoroughly toss rustic bread cubes in the seasoned mixture until each piece is evenly coated to ensure a consistent flavor in the final product.
Baking Croutons
Bake bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer at 375°F until golden brown and crisp. This promotes even cooking and prevents sogginess.
Adding Cheese
After baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm croutons and toss to coat for an added layer of flavor.
Cooling Croutons
Allow baked croutons to cool completely before serving or storing, which helps maintain their crispness.
FAQ
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, rustic bread or a baguette works best for texture, but you can use other types of bread as long as they can be cubed.
How do I store leftover croutons?
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze croutons?
Yes, croutons can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Re-crisp in the oven before using.
What can I use the reserved garlic for?
The reserved strained garlic can be used in salad dressings, sauces, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Conclusion
This delicious crouton recipe offers a delightful crunch and enhances any salad or soup with its aromatic flavors. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and butter creates a rich base, while the optional seasonings allow for customization to suit your palate. Whether for a special occasion or a simple meal, these homemade croutons are sure to impress.
Herb-Infused Croutons
Consider incorporating additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that complements roasted vegetables or hearty salads.
Parmesan and Garlic Croutons
For an extra cheesy flavor, increase the Parmesan cheese and mix in some onion powder alongside the garlic for a savory snack.
Spicy Chili Croutons
Add chili powder and crushed red pepper for a kick. These croutons can elevate a simple soup, giving it an exciting burst of heat.
Italian Garden Croutons
Mix in dried basil and oregano to create Italian-inspired croutons, perfect for tossing into a classic Caesar salad or minestrone soup.
Smoky Paprika Croutons
Introduce some smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile that pairs well with creamy soups or as a topping for casseroles.
