Crispy Garlic Herb Croutons
Transform your leftover French bread into irresistibly crispy and flavorful croutons with this quick recipe. These croutons are perfect for adding a delightful crunch to salads, soups, or as a snack on their own. With the aromatic infusion of garlic, onion, and a hint of Italian herbs, they elevate any dish they accompany. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own croutons, knowing you’re minimizing food waste while creating something delicious!
6
Servings
120
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Day old French bread
5 - 6 cups (Cut into 1/2" cubes)
Bland oil (or olive oil)
1/4 cup (None)
Salt-free garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Salt-free onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Italian seasoning (optional)
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the middle or top position to prevent burning.
2
Cut the day-old French bread into 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring to use bread that is dry but not stale.
3
In a clean, dry plastic grocery bag, combine the bread cubes, oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning (if using).
4
Secure the bag with a loose knot and shake vigorously to evenly coat the cubes with the oil and seasonings.
5
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on an aluminum baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
6
Bake for approximately 12 minutes, turning the baking sheet and stirring the croutons halfway through (at the 6-minute mark) for even browning.
7
Once the croutons are golden brown, give them one final stir, then turn off the oven, leaving the baking sheet inside to allow the croutons to cool gradually.
8
Let the croutons cool to room temperature in the oven before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
9
Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as lemon pepper, dillweed, or Cavender's Greek seasoning for varied flavors.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
16g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Garlic Herb Croutons?
They are oven-baked cubes of day-old French bread seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, designed to be used as a topping or snack.
What type of bread is best for making croutons?
The recipe recommends using day-old French bread that is dry but not yet stale.
At what temperature should the croutons be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake these croutons?
They bake for approximately 12 minutes in total.
How do I ensure the croutons are evenly seasoned?
Place the bread cubes, oil, and seasonings in a clean plastic grocery bag and shake vigorously to coat them evenly.
What is the recommended size for the bread cubes?
The bread should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a bland oil or olive oil for these croutons.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for salt-free garlic powder, salt-free onion powder, and optional Italian seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of these croutons?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Is this crouton recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Day-old bread is preferred because it is drier and crisps up better than fresh bread.
What should I do halfway through the baking process?
You should turn the baking sheet and stir the croutons at the 6-minute mark for even browning.
How should I cool the croutons after baking?
Turn off the oven and leave the croutons inside to cool gradually to room temperature.
How should homemade croutons be stored?
Transfer the fully cooled croutons to an airtight container for storage.
What other seasonings can I experiment with?
You can try lemon pepper, dillweed, or Cavender's Greek seasoning for different flavor profiles.
How do I prevent the croutons from burning?
Position the oven rack in the middle or top and monitor them closely while stirring halfway through.
Can I eat these croutons as a snack?
Yes, they are flavorful enough to be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in these croutons?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should I use an aluminum baking sheet?
The recipe recommends spreading the cubes in a single layer on an aluminum sheet for effective heat distribution.
Is it necessary to use salt-free powders?
The recipe specifies salt-free garlic and onion powders, likely to control the sodium levels of the dish.
How does this recipe help with food waste?
It provides a way to repurpose leftover French bread that might otherwise be thrown away.
Can I use a different type of seasoning if I don't have Italian seasoning?
Yes, the Italian seasoning is optional and can be replaced with other herbs like dillweed.
How much bread is needed for this recipe?
You will need 5 to 6 cups of bread cubes.
What is the total time category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 30 minutes.
Should the bread cubes overlap on the baking sheet?
No, you should spread them in a single layer ensuring they do not overlap.
What is the primary benefit of making your own croutons?
You can minimize food waste and create a fresh, delicious topping with controlled ingredients.
Are these croutons good for soups?
Yes, they are excellent for adding a crunchy texture to various soup dishes.