Croutons are a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and turn it into something delicious. They can add crunch and flavor to soups, salads, or even casseroles.

Making croutons at home is easy, and with a few simple ingredients, we can create crispy, golden bites that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make the perfect croutons!

<h3>What We Need: Ingredients and Tools</h3>

Before we start, let’s gather everything we’ll need:

<b>Ingredients:</b>

- Bread: 4 cups of cubed bread (preferably a day or two old; we can use white, whole grain, or a baguette).

- Olive oil or Butter: 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) of olive oil or 1/4 cup (about 60 grams) of melted butter.

- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon.

- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste).

- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional).

- Herbs (optional): 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor.

- Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan for a cheesy kick.

<b>Tools:</b>

- A sharp cutting or bread slicer (for cutting the bread).

- A large mixing bowl.

- A baking sheet.

- A spatula for tossing.

<h3>Step 1: Prepare the Bread</h3>

We begin by cutting the bread into cubes.

- Take 4 cups of bread (approximately half a loaf, depending on the size) and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

- Don’t worry if the pieces aren’t perfect – the varying shapes will give the croutons a more rustic look.

- It’s best to use day-old bread because it’s firmer and holds up better when toasted. Fresh bread can be used, but it might not be as crunchy.

<h3>Step 2: Coat the Bread Cubes</h3>

Now, we’ll coat the bread cubes with oil or butter to ensure they get crispy and flavorful.

- Olive oil method: In a large mixing bowl, pour 1/4 cup of olive oil. If you’re using butter, melt 1/4 cup (about 60 grams) in the microwave or on the stovetop, then pour it into the bowl.

- Add garlic powder (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) to the oil or butter.

- Stir the mixture well until all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

<h3>Step 3: Toss the Bread in the Mixture</h3>

- Add the cubed bread into the bowl with the oil or butter mixture.

- Toss the cubes gently to ensure every piece is well-coated. If we’re adding herbs or Parmesan cheese, we can sprinkle them in now and toss again for a burst of extra flavor.

- Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated but not drenched. If we need more oil or butter, we can add a little more, but don’t overdo it!

<h3>Step 4: Arrange the Bread on a Baking Sheet</h3>

Now that the bread is coated, it’s time to arrange it on the baking sheet.

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the croutons from sticking.

- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping. This allows them to cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

<h3>Step 5: Bake the Croutons</h3>

It’s time to let the oven do its magic!

- Bake the bread cubes in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

- The croutons are ready when they turn golden brown and feel crispy to the touch. If you want them extra crispy, you can leave them in for a few more minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

<h3>Step 6: Let Them Cool</h3>

Once the croutons are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.

- This step is important because it helps them crisp up further as they cool down.

<h3>Step 7: Serve or Store</h3>

Now that the croutons are perfectly crispy, we can use them immediately or store them for later.

- For serving: Sprinkle them on top of your favorite salad, add them to a bowl of soup, or even mix them into a casserole for an extra crunch.

- To store: Let the croutons cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, we can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

<h3>A Simple and Delicious Homemade Snack</h3>

Making croutons at home is incredibly easy, and the results are beyond satisfying. With just a few simple steps, we can turn any leftover bread into a crunchy, flavorful addition that brings a new dimension to our meals. Perfect for soups, salads, or casseroles, homemade croutons are a great way to add some extra texture and taste.

Next time there’s leftover bread in the kitchen, don’t let it go to waste—give this recipe a try, and you’ll never look at croutons the same way again.

Happy cooking, Lykkers!

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Video by I Want To Cook