Description
Crunchy, flavorful homemade croutons made from fresh or day-old bread, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for salads, soups, or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread (regular, baguette, or French), cut into ¾-inch cubes
- ¼ cup avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Using a bread knife, cut the bread into ¾-inch cubes. This size allows for perfect crunchiness once baked.
- Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the oil, Italian seasoning (if using), garlic powder, and salt. Toss well so each cube is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Croutons: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, tossing the cubes halfway through baking for even crispness. Bake closer to 10 minutes if using slightly stale bread, and closer to 20 minutes if using fresh bread.
- Cool and Store: Let the croutons cool completely before transferring them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps the croutons crisp better.
- You can customize seasonings to taste, such as adding paprika or parmesan cheese.
- Make sure the bread cubes are spread out in a single layer to avoid soggy croutons.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- These croutons are perfect for salads, soups, or as a flavorful snack.
