Homemade Garlic-Infused Croutons Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp up the bread without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
