Herb-Infused Sourdough Croutons
Elevate your salads, soups, or snacking routine with these Herb-Infused Sourdough Croutons, inspired by Rachael Ray's original recipe. The combination of toasted sourdough bread, aromatic herbs from your garden, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a delightful crunch that adds texture and flavor to any dish. These versatile croutons can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices, making them a perfect way to use up leftover bread, whether it’s sourdough, hotdog buns, or anything in between. Ideal for enhancing your San Fran-Caesar Salad or enjoyed straight from the baking sheet as a tasty snack, these croutons are sure to be a hit with family and guests alike. Feel free to double or triple the batch – they won’t last long!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Butter
1 tablespoon
Sourdough bread
3 cups (cubed)
Coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a small saucepan, combine the crushed garlic cloves and extra virgin olive oil. Heat over low, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the oil. Once fragrant, melt the butter into the garlic oil, stirring well.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed sourdough bread.
4
Drizzle the garlic-infused oil and melted butter over the bread cubes. Toss gently until the bread is evenly coated.
5
Sprinkle in the coarse black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh thyme. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and toss everything together until well combined.
6
Spread the crouton mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7
Bake in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through, for 15 to 25 minutes or until the croutons are crisp and golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool before using them in your favorite dishes or enjoying them as a snack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Sourdough Croutons?
These are homemade croutons made from toasted sourdough bread, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for salads, soups, or snacks.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Sourdough bread is recommended, but you can use leftovers like hotdog buns or other varieties of bread.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How do I infuse the garlic flavor into the oil?
Combine crushed garlic cloves and extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat until fragrant.
When do I add the butter to the recipe?
Melt the butter into the garlic-infused olive oil after the oil has become fragrant on the stove.
How much sourdough bread do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cubed sourdough bread.
How do I coat the bread cubes evenly?
Drizzle the garlic-infused oil and melted butter over the bread in a large bowl and toss gently.
What herbs are used in this crouton recipe?
The recipe uses fresh chopped thyme, though dried thyme can be used as a substitute.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
What kind of cheese is added to the croutons?
Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used for flavor and texture.
How much garlic should I use?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What seasoning is added besides herbs and cheese?
One teaspoon of coarse black pepper is added for seasoning.
How long do the croutons need to bake?
Bake them for 15 to 25 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.
Do I need to stir the croutons while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should stir the croutons halfway through the baking process for even browning.
Should I use parchment paper on the baking sheet?
Yes, spread the crouton mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Are these croutons suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these croutons are vegetarian-friendly.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Rachael Ray's original recipe.
What salads are these croutons recommended for?
They are specifically recommended for enhancing a San Fran-Caesar Salad.
Can I make a larger batch of these croutons?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the batch, as they are a popular snack and topping.
How do I know when the croutons are done?
They are finished when they appear golden brown and have a crisp texture.
Should I let the croutons cool before serving?
Yes, let them cool after removing them from the oven to ensure they reach their full crunchiness.
Can I customize the herbs in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite fresh herbs and spices from your garden.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much butter is used?
One tablespoon of butter is melted into the oil mixture.
Is this a good way to use up old bread?
Absolutely, it is a perfect way to use up any leftover bread you have on hand.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the oil.
Can these be eaten as a standalone snack?
Yes, they are delicious enjoyed straight from the baking sheet as a tasty snack.
What is the texture of these croutons?
They have a delightful crunch that adds texture to any dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for coarse black pepper.