Description
Transform simple bread into crispy, golden croutons that enhance any salad or soup with their elegant crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1/2–3/4 inch cubes
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (or 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried Italian herbs)
- 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and toss again.
- Spread the cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 12–18 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and toss with parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan, if using.
- Let cool on the tray to set the crunch before serving or storing.
Notes
For garlic-forward flavor, brown the minced garlic in the oil or butter before adding to the bread. Properly cooled and stored croutons stay crisp for about 5–7 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg