Homemade Sourdough Croutons Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
🥘 Category: Grains
🔪 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
Description:
Transform ordinary sourdough bread into irresistibly crispy croutons with this easy homemade recipe. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices, these croutons elevate any salad or soup to gourmet status. Plus, they’re quick to make and budget-friendly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons mixed spices (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting the sourdough loaf in half lengthwise, then gently scoop out all the soft bread from the center, leaving behind the crust. This step ensures that your croutons will be delightfully crunchy on the outside while still maintaining a tender interior.
-
Tear into Chunks: Tear the remaining bread into bite-sized chunks, roughly measuring between 1/2 to 3/4 inches. This irregular size adds texture and visual appeal to your finished croutons.
-
Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and any additional mixed spices of your choice. This aromatic blend infuses the croutons with savory flavor and ensures even distribution of seasoning.
-
Coat the Bread: Place the torn bread chunks into a large mixing bowl, then pour the seasoned olive oil mixture over them. Toss the bread thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture, allowing the bread to absorb the savory essence.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
-
Bake to Perfection: Spread the seasoned bread chunks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them to crisp up evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. To achieve uniform browning, turn the croutons every 5 minutes during the baking process.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the croutons to cool slightly before serving. These homemade sourdough croutons are perfect for topping salads, soups, or enjoying as a crunchy snack on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they’re so delicious, they’re likely to disappear much sooner!
With just a few simple steps, you can create these irresistible homemade sourdough croutons that are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply elevating your everyday meals, these crunchy delights are sure to impress!
