Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature.
Quick Answer
Create rustic homemade croutons by tossing cubed, day-old bread in a flavorful mixture and baking until golden and crispy.
As the air in New York City takes on that crisp autumn chill, I can't help but think about the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. It's the season for hearty meals, warm gatherings, and a whole lot of comfort food. One of my absolute favorite ways to elevate a salad or soup during this time of year is by adding rustic, crunchy homemade croutons. Trust me, once you make your own, you'll never go back to store-bought. Here's how to create these delightful morsels that will add a touch of homemade goodness to your table.
A Seasonal Favorite
These homemade croutons not only enhance your salads and soups but also bring a nostalgic warmth to your holiday meals, reminding us of the simple joys of home cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Transform your salads and soups with these crunchy, homemade croutons.
- Simple ingredients turn stale bread into a delightful treat, minimizing food waste.
- Customize flavors with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for any meal, from Thanksgiving gatherings to cozy dinners.
- Store and enjoy them for up to a week, making them an easy addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started on your homemade croutons:
Bread
- 4 cups of cubed bread (day-old, preferably sourdough or French bread)
Seasonings
- ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor
How to Make Homemade Croutons (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create crunchy, flavorful homemade croutons:
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Begin by cubing your bread into about 1-inch pieces. If you're using fresh bread, let it sit for a few hours to dry out. This will help the bread hold onto the olive oil and seasonings better, resulting in a crunchier texture.
Step 2: Make the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. As you whisk everything together, inhale the rich aroma of garlic infusing into the oil-it's a tantalizing start!
Step 3: Coat the Bread
Toss the cubed bread in the oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step is crucial; the bread should absorb the flavors evenly for that perfect crunch you're aiming for.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the coated bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, tossing them halfway through for even browning. The nutty aroma will fill your kitchen, a prelude to the delightful croutons to come.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, let them cool on the baking sheet. They'll continue to crisp up as they cool down. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they'll keep fresh for up to a week-perfect for adding to salads or cozy soups!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh bread; stale or day-old bread is ideal for the perfect crunch.
- Not tossing enough; ensure each bread cube is well-coated in oil and seasoning.
- Overbaking; keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy version.
- Use them not just on salads but also as a crunchy garnish for creamy soups.
Variations
- Replace Italian seasoning with your favorite spice blend.
- Use different types of bread, such as whole grain or rye.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Serve
- Top your favorite salads with croutons for added texture.
- Use as a garnish for creamy soups.
- Pair with cheese platters for a delightful crunch.
- Enjoy as a snack on their own with dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Croutons can be made in advance and stored for up to a week.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: If they lose some crunch, bake at 350°F for a few minutes to revive their texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can affect the texture and crunch.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Creating homemade croutons has taught me the power of simple ingredients and their ability to transform a dish. They not only enhance the flavor and texture of salads and soups but also minimize food waste by making good use of leftover bread. It's a satisfying and rewarding process that captures the essence of home cooking.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 cups · Serving Size: ½ cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~120 calories · 2g protein · 15g carbs · 6g fat
Recipe by:
Rustic Homemade Croutons for Salads and Soups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cubing your bread into about 1-inch pieces. If you're using fresh bread, let it sit for a few hours to dry out.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the cubed bread in the oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Spread the coated bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread for croutons?
While you can use any bread, day-old or stale bread, like sourdough or French bread, works best because it holds onto the olive oil and seasonings better, resulting in a crunchier texture.
2. How long will homemade croutons last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade croutons can last up to a week. Avoid refrigerating them to maintain their crunch.
3. What's the best way to avoid soggy croutons?
Make sure to use day-old or stale bread, coat the cubes evenly with the oil and seasonings, and bake them until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Can I customize the flavors of my croutons?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different herbs and spices. For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or grated Parmesan cheese during baking.
5. Are croutons suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can make croutons using gluten-free bread. Just follow the same instructions, and you'll have delicious gluten-free croutons to enjoy!
