Crispy Parmesan Panzanella Croutons
Elevate your salads with these delightful crispy Parmesan Panzanella Croutons, inspired by Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking Cookbook. Perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to Panzanella bread salad recipes or simply as delicious salad croutons. These croutons are made from day-old bread, enriched with flavorful Bagna Cauda butter, and generously coated with finely grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible savory bite. They can be stored for later use or enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
N/A
Servings
165
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter (Bagna Cauda Butter)
1/4 cup (Melted)
Day-Old Bread (cubed, crust-free)
6 cups (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
6 tablespoons (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted Bagna Cauda butter over moderate heat until it foams, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Add the crust-free bread cubes to the skillet and gently toss them to coat evenly with the melted butter.
4
Transfer the butter-coated bread cubes onto a baking sheet, spreading them out in an even layer.
5
While the bread is still warm, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss the croutons again to ensure an even distribution of cheese.
6
Bake the croutons in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside, about 15 minutes.
7
Remove from the oven and allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
13g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Parmesan Panzanella Croutons?
They are savory, crispy bread cubes inspired by Michael Chiarello, perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to salads or snacking.
Who inspired this crouton recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking Cookbook.
What are the three main ingredients?
The ingredients are Unsalted Bagna Cauda Butter, day-old crust-free bread, and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 165 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of these croutons?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 13g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
The croutons provide 6g of protein.
What kind of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for day-old bread that is crust-free and cut into cubes.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Do I need to remove the bread crusts?
Yes, the recipe specifies using crust-free bread cubes.
What is the specific butter used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted Unsalted Bagna Cauda Butter.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the butter be melted?
Melt the butter in a large skillet over moderate heat until it foams, without letting it brown.
How do I coat the bread in butter?
Add the bread cubes to the skillet with melted butter and gently toss them to coat evenly.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the bread cubes while they are still warm after being coated in butter.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
How long should the croutons bake?
Bake the croutons for approximately 15 minutes.
What is the desired texture of the finished croutons?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
Should I stir the croutons while they are in the oven?
Yes, stir them occasionally to ensure even browning and crispiness.
How should the croutons be cooled?
Allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing them.
What is the best way to store these croutons?
Transfer the completely cooled croutons to an airtight container.
Can I use these croutons for Panzanella salad?
Yes, they are specifically designed to elevate Panzanella bread salad recipes.
Are these croutons suitable for regular salads?
Absolutely, they are perfect for adding a savory crunch to any salad.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are described as a delicious and irresistible savory snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 3 ingredients.
What category do these croutons fall under?
They are categorized as croutons, salad toppings, and snacks.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the nutrition facts.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content is not provided for this recipe.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The tags include savory, crispy, parmesan, and butter.
How much bread is needed in total?
The recipe uses 6 cups of day-old bread cubes.