Crunchy, flavorful and perfect for topping, these homemade seasoned croutons elevate any dish. These croutons are seasoned with the perfect blend of Italian spices, salt, and pepper, then toasted to perfection. They are a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, whether tossed in a salad or used as a garnish for soups.
The ingredients for this recipe are usually available in most pantries. However, if you don't usually bake, you might not have a loaf of bread on hand. Any type of bread can be used, but a crusty bread or day-old bread works best as it holds up well during the baking process. Also, the recipe calls for Italian seasoning, which is a mixture of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and basil. If it's not part of your usual spice assortment, it can be found in the spices section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Seasoned Croutons
Bread loaf: A sturdy, day-old bread works best for croutons, as it doesn't become soggy during baking.
Olive oil: This helps to crisp the bread cubes and allows the seasonings to adhere to the croutons.
Italian seasoning: A blend of common Italian herbs that imparts a distinct and aromatic flavor to the croutons.
Garlic powder: It adds a subtle garlic flavor to the croutons without the risk of burning, which fresh garlic might do.
Sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Fine sea salt is preferred as it distributes evenly.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance out the flavors.
One reader, Isaak Keener says:
These seasoned croutons are a game-changer! The perfect blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and olive oil makes them irresistibly flavorful. They add a delightful crunch to my salads and soups. I love how easy they are to make, and they elevate every dish they're added to. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Seasoned Croutons
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f: Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking the croutons.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper: This step ensures that the croutons do not stick to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the bread chunks: Distribute the olive oil evenly to ensure that all the bread cubes are coated.
Evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the bread: Make sure to evenly distribute the seasonings to ensure each crouton is flavorful.
Toss gently until well-combined: Gently mix the bread cubes and seasonings to ensure that the bread is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet: Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer to ensure even browning.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden, turning once halfway through cooking: Keep an eye on the croutons to ensure they do not burn and turn them halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely: Allowing the croutons to cool will help them become crispy.
Serve over soups and salads, and enjoy!: Use the croutons to add texture and flavor to your favorite soups and salads.
How To Make Seasoned Croutons
Bake some homemade croutons with our easy-to-follow recipe! Sprinkle crispy bites of these over soups, salads, and more for a tastier meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozbread loaf,cut into ¾-inch cubes
- ¼cupolive oil
- 2tspItalian seasoning,homemade or store-bought
- 1tspgarlic powder
- ¾tspfine sea salt
- ½tspblack pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, evenly drizzle the olive oil over the bread chunks.
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Evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper over the bread. Toss gently until well-combined.
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Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden, turning once halfway through cooking in order to brown all sides of the croutons.
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Remove from the oven, and let cool completely.
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Serve over soups and salads, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 351.27kcal
- Fat: 16.31g
- Saturated Fat: 2.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.71g
- Carbohydrates: 42.52g
- Fiber: 3.75g
- Sugar: 5.06g
- Protein: 9.33g
- Sodium: 433.13mg
- Calcium: 124.92mg
- Potassium: 168.80mg
- Iron: 3.74mg
- Vitamin A: 1.05µg
- Vitamin C: 0.43mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Croutons
To ensure your croutons are crispy and not burnt, keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, and croutons can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. If you notice the croutons browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature or shorten the baking time.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Croutons
Prep ahead: Prepare the bread cubes and seasonings the night before and store them separately. This will save time when you're ready to make the croutons.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly cut the bread into cubes instead of doing it by hand. This will save you time and ensure uniform crouton sizes.
Higher temperature: Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F to shorten the baking time and achieve crispy croutons more quickly.
Double batch: Make a larger batch of croutons and store them in an airtight container for future use. This will save time on making them again for your next meal.
Skip the flipping: Instead of turning the croutons halfway through baking, use a convection oven setting to ensure even browning without the need to flip.
Substitute Ingredients For Seasoned Croutons Recipe
bread loaf - Substitute with baguette: A baguette can be used as a substitute for a bread loaf, providing a slightly denser texture and a more pronounced crust.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a similar mild flavor and high smoke point.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning, providing a fragrant blend of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, imparting a slightly milder flavor with a hint of sweetness.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity and texture.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly earthier flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Serve Croutons
Elevate the croutons: Arrange the croutons in a geometric pattern on the plate to add visual interest and sophistication to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the croutons to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, colorful edible flowers to the plate for an elegant and visually stunning presentation.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Serve the croutons in a stylish serving bowl or on a sleek platter to enhance the overall dining experience.
Add a drizzle of infused oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil or basil oil to impart a luxurious aroma and elevate the flavor profile.
Pair with a complementary dish: Present the seasoned croutons alongside a complementary dish, such as a velvety butternut squash soup or a vibrant caprese salad, to create a cohesive and visually appealing ensemble.
Create height and dimension: Stack the croutons in a vertical arrangement or incorporate elements that add height to the plate, such as microgreens or crispy prosciutto strips, for a visually striking presentation.
Emphasize precision and symmetry: Arrange the croutons with meticulous attention to symmetry and precision, showcasing the chef's expertise and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Croutons
- Oven: To bake the croutons until golden and crispy.
- Baking sheet: To line with parchment paper and spread out the bread cubes for baking.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the croutons from sticking.
- Large bowl: To mix the bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings.
- Measuring cup: To measure the olive oil.
- Measuring spoons: To measure the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spatula: To toss the bread cubes with the seasonings and olive oil.
- Knife: To cut the bread loaf into cubes.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Croutons
- Once the croutons have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the croutons for up to 2 months:
- Place the cooled croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen croutons to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- To use frozen croutons, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding them to your soup, salad, or dish of choice.
- If the croutons have lost some of their crispness after freezing and thawing, you can quickly refresh them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and heating them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp again.
- Pro tip: If you find yourself with leftover or stale bread, making a batch of these seasoned croutons is an excellent way to reduce food waste and add a delightful crunch to your meals.
How To Reheat Leftover Croutons
To reheat leftover seasoned croutons, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp and heated through. This method will help restore their crunchiness and freshen up the flavors of the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Another option is to reheat the croutons in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the croutons and toss them gently to coat with the oil or butter. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp and heated through. This method will add a slight richness to the croutons and help revive their texture.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the croutons in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the amount of croutons and your microwave's wattage. Be sure to check them every 15 seconds to prevent burning. While this method is fast, it may not yield the same level of crispness as the oven or stovetop methods.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover seasoned croutons. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the croutons in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the croutons are crisp and heated through. This method is quick and effective, and it will help maintain the croutons' crunchy texture.
Interesting Trivia About Croutons
The seasoned croutons recipe is a versatile addition to various dishes. They can be used to add a crunchy texture and extra flavor to soups, salads, and even main dishes. These homemade croutons are a great way to reduce food waste by using leftover bread, and they allow for customization based on personal taste preferences. Additionally, making croutons from scratch allows for control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and bread types to create your perfect crouton!
Is Making Croutons at Home Cost-Effective?
This seasoned croutons recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The simple ingredients, like bread and olive oil, are budget-friendly and readily available. With a rating of 9/10, these croutons are versatile and can be used in various dishes, adding flavor and texture. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it an affordable and delicious addition to meals.
Are Homemade Croutons Healthy or Unhealthy?
The seasoned croutons recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest choice. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on white bread, which is typically made from refined flour and lacks fiber and essential nutrients
- Olive oil, although a healthier fat option, is still high in calories when used in excess
- The seasoning blend contains salt, which can contribute to high sodium intake if consumed frequently
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- The recipe uses olive oil, which is a healthier alternative to saturated fats like butter
- The Italian seasoning blend includes herbs that may offer some health benefits
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for whole grain or whole wheat bread instead of white bread to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used, or consider using an oil spray to lightly coat the bread cubes
- Experiment with reducing the salt content and incorporating more herbs and spices for flavor
- Consider adding nutritional value by incorporating ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese, which provides protein and calcium, or finely chopped nuts for healthy fats and added crunch
By baking the croutons instead of frying them, you're already making a healthier choice. With a few tweaks, this recipe can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Moderation is key, and pairing these croutons with a nutrient-dense salad or soup can help balance out the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Seasoned Croutons Recipe
The seasoned croutons recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate any dish. The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil creates a deliciously aromatic and crunchy crouton that pairs perfectly with soups and salads. The use of fine sea salt and black pepper adds a well-balanced seasoning to the croutons. The recipe's clear instructions make it easy to follow, and the end result is a delightful addition to any meal. Overall, this seasoned croutons recipe is a winner in terms of taste and versatility.
Enhance Your Seasoned Croutons Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Seasoned Croutons
Why trust this Seasoned Croutons Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious croutons every time. The combination of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder creates a perfect balance of flavors. The use of high-quality bread ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite. With precise measurements and clear instructions, this recipe promises consistent results. Trust the expertise behind this recipe and elevate your dishes with these flavorful croutons.
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