Savory Grilled Cheese Croutons
Transform your soups and salads with these irresistible Savory Grilled Cheese Croutons! Perfectly toasted and bursting with cheesy flavor, these croutons are made from artisanal bread and melty cheddar cheese, seasoned with aromatic herbs. They add an incredible crunch and rich taste to your favorite dishes, especially when paired with a comforting bowl of tomato soup or sprinkled over fresh salads. Get ready to elevate your meals with this fun twist on a classic favorite! Adapted from '300 Sensational Soups' by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds, as featured in Family Fun magazine.
60
Servings
20
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (softened)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (optional, can substitute with basil)
bread
6 slices (whole wheat or your choice)
cheddar cheese
3 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
2
2. In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter with the thyme (or your choice of basil) until well combined.
3
3. Take each slice of bread and spread the butter mixture generously on one side.
4
4. Place three slices of bread, buttered side down, in the preheated skillet. Layer the thinly sliced cheddar cheese evenly over these bread slices.
5
5. Top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side is facing up.
6
6. Cook the sandwiches for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping carefully until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
7. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to cool for a moment on a cutting board.
8
8. After cooling slightly, cut the sandwiches into 1-inch squares to create your croutons. Serve immediately or store for later use. Sprinkle over soups, salads, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack!
Nutrition Information
1.5
Fat
1.5
Carbs
0.67
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Grilled Cheese Croutons?
Savory Grilled Cheese Croutons are perfectly toasted bites made from artisanal bread and melty cheddar cheese, seasoned with herbs like thyme or basil.
How many croutons does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 60 croutons.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using six slices of whole wheat bread or your personal choice of artisanal bread.
What are the nutritional values for one crouton?
Each crouton contains approximately 20 calories, 1.5g of fat, 1.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.67g of protein.
Which herbs are used to season the butter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of thyme, though basil can be used as a substitute.
What kind of cheese is best for these croutons?
The recipe recommends using 3 ounces of thinly sliced cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the herb butter?
Blend 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter with the thyme or basil in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
At what heat should I cook the grilled cheese sandwiches?
The sandwiches should be cooked in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How long do the sandwiches need to cook?
Cook the sandwiches for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What size should I cut the croutons?
After cooling slightly, the sandwiches should be cut into 1-inch squares.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter if you prefer a more savory flavor.
Are these croutons good for soup?
Yes, they are an excellent addition to soups, especially comforting bowls of tomato soup.
Can I serve these croutons on a salad?
Absolutely, these croutons add an incredible crunch and rich taste when sprinkled over fresh salads.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: unsalted butter, thyme (or basil), bread, and cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is perfect for quick meal preparation.
Should the butter be softened before mixing?
Yes, the butter should be softened to ensure it blends well with the herbs and spreads easily on the bread.
Can I eat these croutons as a snack?
Yes, these cheesy, toasted squares are delicious when enjoyed as a standalone crunchy snack.
How do I ensure the bread doesn't burn?
Keep the heat at medium-high and flip the sandwiches carefully after 3 to 5 minutes once they reach a golden brown color.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from '300 Sensational Soups' by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds, as featured in Family Fun magazine.
Should I preheat the skillet?
Yes, you should begin by heating the skillet to ensure even cooking for the sandwiches.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh thyme or basil, though the recipe measurement provided is a general guideline for the aromatic blend.
What is the best way to assemble the sandwiches in the pan?
Place the first slice buttered side down, layer the cheese, and top with the second slice buttered side up.
Is there any sugar in these croutons?
No, the nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving (one crouton) contains 1.5 grams of fat.
Can I store these croutons for later?
Yes, you can store them in an airtight container for later use, though they are best served fresh.
Do I need to use thinly sliced cheese?
Thinly sliced cheese is recommended so that it melts quickly and evenly as the bread toasts.
What type of skillet is best?
A large skillet is best to ensure you have enough room to flip the sandwiches comfortably.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The recipe data does not specify a fiber content, but using whole wheat bread will add some dietary fiber.
Can I substitute cheddar with another cheese?
Yes, you can use other melty cheeses like Swiss, Havarti, or Provolone for a different flavor profile.
How much sodium is in these croutons?
The recipe does not provide a specific sodium count, though it will vary based on the bread and cheese used.