Homemade Croutons Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the savory delight of homemade croutons, perfect for garnishing soups, salads, or simply enjoying as a standalone snack. Crafted with love and simplicity, these croutons boast a European flair, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these crunchy delights in under 30 minutes. Plus, they’re low in cholesterol, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply craving a wholesome treat, these homemade croutons are sure to impress!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 15
- Calories: 99.4 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1 review)
Ingredients:
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices crusty bread
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your broiler to high heat.
- Take the garlic cloves and rub them all over the crusty bread slices. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the croutons.
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Slice the Bread:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the garlic-rubbed bread into slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. This ensures that the croutons will have a substantial crunch once baked.
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Coat with Olive Oil:
- Drizzle one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Use a pastry brush or your fingers to evenly distribute the oil, ensuring that each crouton is well-coated.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the olive oil-coated bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some space between each crouton to allow for even browning.
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Broil Until Golden:
- Slide the baking sheet under the preheated broiler and let the croutons toast until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
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Flip and Brown:
- Once the first side is golden, carefully flip each crouton over using tongs or a spatula. Return the baking sheet to the broiler and continue cooking until the second side is equally crisp and golden.
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Dice and Serve:
- Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and transfer the warm croutons to a cutting board. While they’re still warm, use a sharp knife to cut them into bite-sized cubes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch in every bite.
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Enjoy!
- Your homemade croutons are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them atop your favorite soups or salads, or simply snack on them straight from the tray. However you choose to enjoy them, these homemade croutons are sure to elevate any dish with their irresistible flavor and crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 99.4
- Fat: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 184.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.8g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 2.7g
Keywords:
European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Broil/Grill, < 30 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Easy
Tips for Success:
- Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite flavor and texture combination. While crusty bread works wonderfully for croutons, you can also try whole grain or sourdough varieties for a unique twist.
- For added flavor, consider mixing dried herbs or grated Parmesan cheese into the olive oil before coating the bread slices.
- Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunchiness before serving.
With its simplicity and versatility, this homemade croutons recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a crunchy snack, these flavorful croutons are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch and elevate your meals with the irresistible crunch of homemade croutons!
