Pesto Croutons
Elevate your salads, soups, or snacking game with these irresistibly crispy and flavor-packed Pesto Croutons! Crafted from hearty cubes of baguette or rustic bread, these golden bites are coated in a luscious blend of basil pesto and olive oil for a vibrant herbaceous flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) adds a savory touch, while a quick bake ensures the perfect crunch in just 15 minutes. Whether you're topping a creamy soup, adding texture to a fresh green salad, or enjoying them on their own, these homemade croutons are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, they store beautifully for up to a week, making them a convenient pantry addition for any meal.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups Baguette or rustic bread
- 0.333 cup Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, finely grated)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Cut the baguette or rustic bread into 1-inch cubes, yielding approximately 4 cups in volume.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto and olive oil. Stir well to ensure the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the pesto mixture.
Step 5
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
Step 6
Sprinkle the croutons with salt and, if desired, Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Step 8
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Step 9
Use immediately in soups, salads, or as a snack, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1068.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3160.6 |
| Total Fat 71.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 14.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6533.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 545.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 10.8g | |
| Protein 94.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 427.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1220.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories