Zesty Caesar Croutons
Elevate your salads and soups with these crunchy and flavorful Zesty Caesar Croutons! Perfectly seasoned with robust garlic, fresh lemon, and aromatic herbs, these homemade croutons add a delightful texture and taste to any dish. Whether you're enjoying a classic Caesar salad or using them to enhance a savory soup, these croutons are sure to impress. Made from day-old bread for maximum crunch, they are easy to prepare and store, ensuring you always have a delicious topping on hand for your culinary creations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (Dried)
Parmesan Cheese
3 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (Dried or fresh, chopped)
Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (Extra virgin recommended)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (Juiced from fresh lemons)
White Bread
2 loaves (Crusts removed and cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, parmesan cheese, parsley, seasoned salt, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Use a stick blender or whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bread and pour the Caesar dressing over it. Toss well to ensure each piece of bread is evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Spread the dressed bread cubes onto two large baking sheets in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Stir the croutons every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
6
Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
7
For best results, use day-old bread, freeze it beforehand, and let it thaw to room temperature before cutting it into cubes. This makes handling easier and ensures a better crunch!
8
Don't forget to save the crusts from your bread; you can toast them and turn them into homemade breadcrumbs for future use.
9
For a variation while making Caesar salads, consider adding 2-3 anchovy fillets to the dressing for an extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Caesar Croutons?
They are crunchy and flavorful homemade croutons seasoned with garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs, designed to elevate salads and soups.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using two loaves of white bread, preferably day-old for maximum crunch.
How should I prepare the bread before cubing it?
For easier handling, you can freeze the bread beforehand and then let it thaw to room temperature before cutting it into cubes.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes after the crusts have been removed.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the croutons need to bake?
Bake the croutons for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Do I need to stir the croutons while they are in the oven?
Yes, stir the croutons every 5 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
How do I make the Caesar dressing for the croutons?
Combine lemon zest, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, parmesan cheese, parsley, seasoned salt, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice using a stick blender or whisk until emulsified.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can use either dried parsley or fresh, chopped parsley for this recipe.
How do I ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated?
Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl, pour the dressing over it, and toss well until every piece is evenly coated.
How should I arrange the bread on the baking sheets?
Spread the dressed cubes in a single layer across two large baking sheets, making sure they are not overcrowded.
What should I do after the croutons are finished baking?
Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before moving them to a storage container.
How should I store the homemade croutons?
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
What can I do with the bread crusts I removed?
You can toast the crusts and grind them into homemade breadcrumbs for future recipes.
Can I add anchovies to this recipe?
Yes, for extra depth of flavor, you can add 2-3 anchovy fillets to the dressing mixture.
Is this crouton recipe vegetarian?
The base recipe is vegetarian; however, it will not be vegetarian if you choose to add the optional anchovy fillets.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, preferably juiced from fresh lemons.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is the purpose of the lemon zest?
The 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest provide a bright, citrusy note to the croutons.
Can I use these croutons for soup?
Absolutely, these croutons are excellent for adding texture and flavor to savory soups.
How many baking sheets are needed?
The recipe suggests using two large baking sheets to provide enough space for the bread cubes to crisp properly.
Why is it important to emulsify the dressing?
Emulsifying the oil and lemon juice ensures the flavors are well-distributed and the dressing adheres better to the bread.
What kind of salt is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt.
How much oregano is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of olive oil for the dressing.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many loaves of bread should I buy?
This recipe is scaled for two loaves of white bread.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is a simple process of whisking a dressing, tossing it with bread cubes, and baking until crispy.