Choose Your Own Adventure Crunchy Croutons
Elevate your salads, soups, and snacking game with these homemade "Choose Your Own Adventure Crunchy Croutons"! This versatile recipe lets you customize every step, starting with your favorite bread—sourdough, whole grain, or even gluten-free—then mixing and matching seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, and Parmesan for a flavor profile that’s all your own. With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and a bake time of 15, these golden-brown, crispy delights are ready in no time. Perfect for adding a delightful crunch to your meals or enjoying as a savory snack straight from the container, these croutons are your pantry hero. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a make-ahead staple in any kitchen!
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Ingredients
- 4 cups (cubed) bread (any type: sourdough, whole grain, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter, or neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme, oregano, rosemary - optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
Take your bread of choice and cut it into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (or your chosen fat), garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings (like Parmesan cheese, if using). Mix well to form a seasoning mixture.
Step 4
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly, ensuring each piece of bread is evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 5
Spread the seasoned bread cubes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove the tray and give the croutons a stir to promote even browning.
Step 7
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8
Remove the tray from the oven and allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Step 9
Transfer the cooled croutons to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to a week.
Step 10
Use your crunchy croutons to top soups, salads, or snack on them as is!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1007.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3062.5 |
| Total Fat 76.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 14.1g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6417.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 444.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 44.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 44.3g | |
| Protein 92.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1016.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 33.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1157.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories