Savory Garlic Herb Cheese Croutons
Elevate your salads, soups, or snacking experience with these Savory Garlic Herb Cheese Croutons. This easy-to-make recipe features rich flavors from freshly minced garlic and a delightful blend of Italian herbs, all perfectly melded with crispy cubed French bread. The optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously cheesy touch that takes these croutons to the next level. Perfect for meal prep or as an addition to your favorite dishes, these croutons are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for a crunchy topping anytime!
16
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 tablespoon (None)
butter
1/2 tablespoon (None)
garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon (None)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (None)
French bread
4 cups (cubed (1/2-inch cubes))
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (optional, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cubed French bread. Toss gently to coat the bread with the herb mixture evenly.
6
If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes and toss again until evenly distributed.
7
Prepare a cookie sheet by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Stir gently halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
10
Keep an eye on the croutons as they bake to prevent burning. Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
4g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Garlic Herb Cheese Croutons?
These are homemade crispy bread cubes flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional Parmesan cheese, perfect for salads and soups.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How much fat is in one serving of these croutons?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
What type of bread is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cubed French bread.
How long do the croutons need to bake?
The croutons should bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Is it necessary to stir the croutons while they bake?
Yes, stir them gently halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely minced.
Can I add cheese to these croutons?
Yes, you can add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oils or fats are used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How large should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 1 gram of protein per serving.
What cuisine category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
How do I prevent the croutons from sticking to the pan?
Coat the cookie sheet with cooking spray before spreading the bread cubes.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
What should I do if the garlic starts to burn?
Be careful to heat the garlic only until fragrant to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Are there red pepper flakes in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes is included for added flavor.
Should the croutons cool before storage?
Yes, allow them to cool completely before serving or storing to maintain crunch.
What are some suggested uses for these croutons?
They are great for salads, soups, or even as a standalone snack.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for dried Italian seasoning.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the Parmesan cheese is listed as an optional ingredient.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients including the optional cheese.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is savory, featuring garlic and Italian herbs.
Can I use these for meal prep?
Yes, they can be stored and used as a crunchy topping anytime.
How do I ensure the bread is evenly coated?
Toss the bread cubes gently in the skillet with the herb and oil mixture until they are covered.