Do you have a piece of bread lying around on the counter, or a half-used baguette from last night’s dinner? Don’t let it get lost!
Turn leftover bread into delicious homemade croutons. This incredibly simple recipe will add a touch of crunch to your salads and soups.
Why make your own croutons?
Making your own homemade croutons is not only a clever way to combat food waste, it’s also a guarantee of incomparable taste.
You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to make them, and the difference in flavor compared to store-bought croutons is truly remarkable.
Choosing the right bread for perfect croutons
The key to tasty homemade croutons lies in the choice of bread. A bread with a thick, dense crumb will make croutons crispier and more resistant, perfect for absorbing the flavors of seasonings.
Here are a few types of bread to consider:
- Rustic bread: Its dense crumb and thick crust make it an excellent choice for crispy croutons.
- Wholemeal bread: With its rustic texture and nutty taste, it adds a depth of flavor that goes well with spices such as rosemary or thyme.
- Baguette: This bread makes light, crunchy croutons, perfect for Caesar salads or soups.
- Grain bread: Seeds add extra texture and unique flavor to croutons.
- Olive or walnut bread: For croutons with an extra touch of flavor, use flavored breads. This adds an extra dimension to your dishes.
Stale or day-old bread is ideal for making croutons, as it has a firmer texture, making it easier to cut into cubes. What’s more, it absorbs oil and spices better, guaranteeing croutons full of flavor.
The best seasonings for your croutons
Croutons are perfect for adding texture and flavour to your dishes.
One of the advantages of making them at home is that you can season them as you wish.
Your spice drawer is your best resource for creating unique flavours. Here are some ideas for seasoning your croutons:
- Infused oils (chili, garlic, lemon)
- Garlic salt
- Provence herbs
- Paprika, for a hint of sweetness and color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to be added at the end of cooking, for a rich, salty taste.
- Curry, for an exotic, spicy note.
Homemade Croutons
Making your own homemade croutons is super easy and the best way to use up leftover bread.
Ingredients
- Bread cut into cubes (1 to 2 cm thick)
- Olive oil (enough to coat the bread)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Other spices (optional): dried thyme, garlic salt, rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, place the bread cubes and drizzle them with olive oil and your chosen spices.
- Mix well to ensure all the bread pieces are evenly coated. Using your hands can make this step easier and more effective.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. **
- Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Don't forget to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Notes
Choose a bread with a thick crumb for even crunchier croutons.
Stale or day-old bread is ideal for this recipe because it absorbs oil and spices better, ensuring flavorful croutons.
** If you are adding parmesan, sprinkle it over the croutons halfway through the cooking process so it melts slightly.
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