Name: Croutons Recipe: Crispy and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups day-old crusty bread cubes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp paprika (optional); 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); Optional: Parsley; Suggested Pairings: Caesar salad (iced tea)

Introduction

Homemade croutons are a crunchy, golden delight, transforming stale bread into a versatile topping for salads, soups, or a savory snack. Far superior to store-bought, they’re quick to make and customizable with your favorite seasonings. Ideal for cooks of all levels, this recipe elevates dishes like Caesar salad or tomato soup. This recipe delivers classic croutons, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served fresh or stored for later use.

Ingredients for Croutons

For the Croutons:

4 cups day-old crusty bread (e.g., sourdough, French, or baguette), cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp each dried oregano and thyme)
1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color and subtle smokiness)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for umami)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Suggested Pairings: Caesar salad, creamy tomato soup, or as a snack
Suggested Beverage: Iced tea, sparkling water, or white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare Bread: Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Ensure cubes are uniform for even baking; day-old or slightly stale bread works best to avoid sogginess.
Season Bread: Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and Parmesan (if using) over the cubes. Toss again to distribute seasonings thoroughly.
Bake Croutons: Spread bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for maximum crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Check at 15 minutes to avoid burning, as oven times may vary.
Cool: Remove from oven and let croutons cool completely on the baking sheet, about 10 minutes, to crisp up further.
Serve: Transfer croutons to a serving bowl or use immediately as a topping for salads or soups. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with a beverage like iced tea or sparkling water. Store extras in an airtight container.

Tips for Better Croutons

Use stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become chewy instead of crispy.
Cut bread into uniform cubes to ensure even baking; a 1-inch size is ideal for bite-sized croutons.
Toss thoroughly with oil and seasonings to coat every piece for consistent flavor.
Bake in a single layer to promote air circulation and crispiness; overcrowding leads to steaming.
Check croutons early to prevent burning, especially if using cheese or thin bread.
Cool completely before storing to avoid trapping moisture, which causes sogginess.
For stovetop croutons, cook cubes in a large skillet with oil and seasonings over medium heat for 8-12 minutes, stirring often, until golden.
Experiment with bread types; sourdough adds tang, while rye adds earthiness.

Variations and Customization

Garlic Butter Croutons: Replace olive oil with melted butter and omit garlic powder for a richer flavor.
Spicy Croutons: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.
Herb-Fresh Croutons: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs.
Gluten-Free Croutons: Use gluten-free bread; ensure seasonings are gluten-free.
Vegan Croutons: Naturally vegan without Parmesan; use 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Cheesy Croutons: Increase Parmesan to 1/4 cup or use shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
Sweet Croutons: For fruit salads, use cinnamon raisin bread with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon, omitting savory seasonings.
Low-Sodium Croutons: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp and use unsalted butter if substituting oil.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week; avoid refrigeration to prevent sogginess.
Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month; re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve fresh for maximum crunch; day-old croutons are still great for soups where they soften.
Use leftovers as a topping for casseroles, stuffing mix, or crushed as breadcrumbs.
Avoid exposure to humidity; seal tightly after each use to maintain crispiness.
Pair with creamy soups to contrast textures or salads for added crunch.
Toss with salads just before serving to prevent sogginess from dressing.
Pack for picnics in a sealed container to keep fresh; avoid adding to wet dishes until ready.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1/2 cup each, without Parmesan):

Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 2% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
Calcium: 2% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on the bread type and optional add-ins. This dish is moderate in fat due to olive oil and low in protein. For dietary needs, try gluten-free or low-sodium variations. Its nutrients depend on the bread used.

Conclusion

This crouton recipe delivers crispy, flavorful bites that elevate salads, soups, or snacks with minimal effort. Its simple preparation and customizable seasonings make it a favorite for home cooks. The golden crunch and savory taste create a versatile addition. This recipe is sure to become a staple, cherished for its ease and deliciousness.