Homemade Garlic-Infused Croutons Recipe

Introduction

Homemade croutons are a simple and delicious way to add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and more. With just a few basic ingredients, you can easily transform stale bread into a tasty snack or garnish.

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt. Toss well to evenly coat the bread.
2. Step 2: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Let cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning before baking.
• Use different types of bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, or baguette for varied texture and taste.
• Try tossing the croutons with grated Parmesan cheese immediately after baking for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh their crunch, briefly toast them in the oven before use.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread for croutons?

While you can use fresh bread, slightly stale bread is better because it holds up well and crisps nicely without becoming too dry or crumbly.

How can I make croutons without an oven?

You can toast the bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil, stirring frequently until they are golden and crisp, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Homemade Garlic-Infused Croutons Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made by baking olive oil-coated bread cubes with garlic and salt. These croutons add a delicious crunch and savory touch to salads, soups, and more.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 cups of croutons 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably day-old or slightly stale bread)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp up the bread without burning.
2. Prepare Bread: Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes for even baking. Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs less oil and crisps better.
3. Toss with Oil and Garlic: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoned oil.
4. Bake Croutons: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for the best texture that absorbs less oil and crisps nicely.
• Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
• Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch.

Keywords: homemade croutons, crispy croutons, baked croutons, garlic croutons, salad topping, soup garnish