Forevermama's Best Croutons Ever
Transform your salads and soups with "Forevermama's Best Croutons Ever," the ultimate homemade croutons that bring a perfect balance of crunch and flavor to any dish. Made from day-old bread like French baguette or sourdough, these golden-brown beauties are infused with a delicious blend of garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a buttery olive oil drizzle. Baked to perfection in just 15 minutes, they’re irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For an added burst of savory goodness, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese right out of the oven. Simple to make and utterly satisfying, these croutons are a must-have topping that will elevate your next Caesar salad or creamy soup. Plus, they store beautifully—if you can resist eating them all straight from the pan! Perfect for DIY cooking enthusiasts looking for a flavorful, quick, and versatile recipe.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups (cubed) Day-old bread (French baguette, sourdough, or Italian loaf)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (grated) Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
Cut the day-old bread into evenly sized cubes, roughly 1-inch wide, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Stir until the butter melts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4
Add garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the warm oil and butter mixture. Stir well to combine the seasoning.
Step 5
Drizzle the seasoned mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Step 6
Spread the coated bread cubes evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer with no overlap.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through baking for even toasting.
Step 8
Once done, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Step 9
Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 10
Serve immediately over soup or salads, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1025.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3059.3 |
| Total Fat 87.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 37mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6003.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 470.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 26.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 14.3g | |
| Protein 90.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 319.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1142.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories