Description

Homemade croutons are the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, transforming any salad or soup into a delightful dish. These easy-to-make morsels are customizable with your favorite seasonings and are an excellent way to use up leftover bread. Whether you enjoy them as a topping or straight from the oven, these golden bites will elevate your meals and entice your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups day-old bread, cubed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cube the day-old bread into 1-inch pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil until lightly coated.
Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Allow to cool before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side
Method: Baking
Cuisine: General

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (30g)
Calories: 150
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use stale bread for best results, as it holds its shape better when baked. Experiment with different oils or spices like melted butter or fresh herbs for unique flavors. For extra crunch, sprinkle grated cheese over the croutons before baking.