Baked Homemade Croutons Recipe with Herbs
Crispy, flavorful croutons perfect for soups, salads, or just as a snack!
Overview
These Baked Homemade Croutons with Herbs are a simple yet delicious addition to any dish, transforming basic bread into crispy, herbed croutons with minimal effort. Using wholesome whole wheat bread, fragrant garlic powder, and a blend of mixed dried herbs, this recipe provides a healthy and tasty crunch that pairs perfectly with your favorite soups or salads. The olive oil gives the croutons a delightful richness, while the baking process creates a perfectly crisp texture.
Perfectly customizable, this recipe is vegetarian and can easily be adjusted with different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 4 cups (cut into cubes; regular loaf or baguette works well) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/3 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~250mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This ensures it’s at the right temperature for baking the croutons evenly. -
Prepare the Bread:
Take the whole wheat brown bread and cut it into small cubes. The size of the cubes can be adjusted based on how big or small you like your croutons. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the garlic powder, dried mixed herbs, and salt. Stir them together to combine evenly. This mixture will be the seasoning for your croutons. -
Drizzle Olive Oil:
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated. Gently toss the bread cubes in the bowl until the olive oil is absorbed and the seasoning evenly coats the bread. -
Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Spread the herbed bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each cube, as overcrowding can result in uneven crisping. The cubes should be spaced out to allow proper air circulation during baking. -
Bake the Croutons:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread cubes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Be sure to toss them halfway through the baking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides. -
Cool and Crisp:
Once the croutons are golden brown and crisp, remove them from the oven. Allow them to rest at room temperature for a few minutes. As they cool, they will continue to harden and become even more crisp. -
Store:
Once completely cool, store the Baked Homemade Croutons with Herbs in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. These croutons will stay crispy for up to a week if stored properly.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade croutons are an excellent addition to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for how to use them:
- Soups: Add a delightful crunch to your favorite soups, like tomato soup, mushroom soup, or chicken noodle soup.
- Salads: Top off a hearty salad like a Caesar salad or Greek salad with a generous handful of croutons.
- Snack: Serve them as a simple snack on their own, or dip them into hummus or your favorite dressing.
- Casseroles: Sprinkle croutons on top of casseroles or gratins for a crisp topping.
Customizing Your Croutons
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Cheesy Croutons: Add grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese to the seasoning mix before tossing the bread cubes.
- Spicy Croutons: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Herb Croutons: For an extra garlic punch, toss in some minced fresh garlic along with the garlic powder.
- Herb Variations: Use any dried herbs you have on hand, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary, to switch up the flavor profile.
Why Homemade Croutons?
Homemade croutons are a far better alternative to store-bought versions. Not only do they taste fresher, but they are also customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Plus, they are a great way to use up leftover bread and reduce food waste. Making croutons at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a healthier version free from preservatives or artificial flavors.
Conclusion
These Baked Homemade Croutons with Herbs are a quick and easy recipe that adds a satisfying crunch to your dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy and flavorful topping that elevates any meal. Whether you use them in a soup, salad, or simply enjoy them as a snack, they are sure to become a household favorite. So, grab your leftover bread, and start baking these crispy, herby croutons today!
