Homemade Croutons Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Elevate your salads, soups, or simply enjoy a crunchy snack with these easy-to-make homemade croutons. Forget store-bought croutons that are often filled with preservatives and go for a fresh batch made right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick 20-minute preparation, these croutons will soon become a pantry staple. This recipe is a variation of a classic Chef Doozer recipe, perfect for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful addition to their meals. Whether you have leftover bread or prefer to use fresh, this recipe is versatile and customizable.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Canola oil | 3 – 6 tablespoons |
| Bread (preferably day-old) | 3 cups |
| Seasoning salt | To taste |
Optional for extra flavor:
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 89.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting the bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale) into bite-sized pieces. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, whether it’s white, whole wheat, or sourdough. Fresh bread will also work, but day-old bread tends to hold up better when crisping.
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Coat with Oil: Place the cut bread pieces into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and canola oil over the bread. Stir well to ensure that the pieces are evenly coated with oil. You can adjust the oil quantities according to your preferences; more oil will result in a richer, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while less oil will give a lighter crunch.
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Season the Croutons: Sprinkle the seasoning salt over the bread. For extra flavor, feel free to mix in some garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, or any herbs you like. This is your chance to customize the croutons to suit your flavor profile.
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Bake the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the oiled and seasoned bread pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, stirring the croutons halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly.
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Final Touch: Once the croutons are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool down.
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Serve and Enjoy: Use your homemade croutons in salads, soups, or as a crunchy topping for casseroles. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days, though they’re usually so good, they disappear quickly!
Recipe Tips:
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Customizing Your Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with the spices. You can try using different combinations of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a unique twist.
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Bread Variations: This recipe is incredibly versatile—use any type of bread you have on hand. Stale bread works best, but fresh bread can also be used. You can even mix up different types of bread, like a combination of sourdough and whole wheat.
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Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have leftover croutons (which is rare), store them in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
With a simple combination of oils, bread, and seasonings, these homemade croutons bring a new level of flavor and texture to your dishes. Make them ahead of time and always have a batch on hand for whenever you need that perfect crunchy bite. Whether you’re adding them to a soup or salad, these homemade croutons will become your go-to snack!
