Savory Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Transform your meals with these irresistible Savory Garlic Parmesan Croutons! Perfect for elevating soups, enhancing salads, or even savoring as a crunchy snack, these croutons are an easy way to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Use any bread you have on hand, from rustic baguettes to soft sandwich slices, ensuring even cutting for uniformity. Tossed in a luscious blend of olive oil, fresh garlic, and rich Parmesan, they're baked to golden perfection in the oven. Whether you have stale bread lying around or just want to create a delightful topping, these croutons are versatile and delicious. Adapted from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
4
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
6 tablespoons (Extra virgin is preferred for optimal flavor.)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (Minced.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (Grated.)
Bread cubes
4 cups (Cut into 1/2-inch uniform pieces.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the center position.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3
Add the bread cubes (about 1/2-inch in size) to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture.
4
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even baking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through baking for uniform color.
6
Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature before serving. They will crisp up even more as they cool.
7
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Garlic Parmesan Croutons?
They are homemade bread cubes tossed in a blend of olive oil, fresh garlic, salt, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and crispy.
What kind of bread can I use for this recipe?
You can use any bread you have on hand, ranging from rustic baguettes to soft sandwich slices.
Is it better to use fresh or stale bread?
While you can use fresh bread, this recipe is a perfect way to transform stale bread that you might have lying around.
How should I cut the bread for the best results?
Cut the bread into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even baking across all pieces.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the croutons take to bake?
Bake them for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
Adjust the oven rack to the center position for optimal heat distribution.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its optimal flavor profile.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You will need 2 to 3 garlic cloves, depending on your flavor preference.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced before being whisked into the olive oil mixture.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to provide a rich, savory flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
How many cups of bread cubes does the recipe require?
You will need 4 cups of bread cubes for this batch.
Do I need to stir the croutons while they are in the oven?
Yes, turn them halfway through the baking process to ensure uniform color and crispness.
How do I know when the croutons are finished?
They are done when they appear golden brown and feel crispy to the touch.
Why is it important to let the croutons cool completely?
Letting them cool at room temperature allows them to crisp up even further.
How should I store the finished croutons?
Store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to maintain their texture.
How long will the croutons stay fresh?
They can be stored for up to 1 week if kept in an airtight environment.
Are these croutons suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are some serving suggestions for these croutons?
They are excellent for elevating soups and enhancing the texture of salads.
Can these croutons be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are savory and crunchy enough to be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of these croutons?
There are 21 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 9 grams of protein.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy, homemade recipe suitable for beginners.