It’s time for some cranberry, pumpkin, apples, and everything spiced! Sweater season is here which means we’re hungrier than ever. Want to know what food to cook this Fall? Keep on reading!
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Croutons
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Elevate your salads and soups with these homemade Garlic Parmesan Croutons. Made with day-old bread, a flavorful blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, these croutons offer a delightful crunch and a burst of savory goodness. Choose your preferred cooking method – stovetop in a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch, air fryer for a quick and crispy result, or oven-baked for a classic approach. With customizable options ranging from a spicy kick to sweet twists, these croutons are a versatile and delicious addition to any dish. Say goodbye to store-bought croutons and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own flavorful and perfectly crispy bites at home.
Table of contents
Croutons: How to Make Croutons - A Step-by-Step Guide
We love to enjoy these homemade croutons over salads and soups (links open in new windows) - they are surprisingly easy to make and one of those pantry items that one can meal prep at home.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Kitchen Tools
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Cast iron skillet (for stovetop)
- Air fryer
- Baking sheet (for oven)
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone brush or spoon for coating
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Recipe Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread tends to be too soft and may not yield crispy croutons.
- Cut the bread into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the cooking surface. Give the croutons enough space to crisp up properly.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.
- Stir or shake the croutons regularly to ensure they brown evenly.
Croutons Recipe - FAQ
How many servings does this make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of croutons. The number of servings can vary depending on how you plan to use them. As a general guideline, ½ cup to 1 cup of croutons per serving is a common portion size for salads or soups. Therefore, this recipe is roughly estimated to serve 4 to 8 people, depending on their preference for crouton quantity in their dish.
What's the prep time?
The preparation time for Garlic Parmesan Croutons is approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes the time needed to cut the bread into cubes, prepare the seasoning mixture, and coat the bread cubes. Keep in mind that the actual cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose (stovetop, air fryer, or oven).
What's the cooking time?
The cooking time for Garlic Parmesan Croutons depends on the method you choose:
Stovetop (Cast Iron Skillet): Approximately 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer: Approximately 5-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Oven: Approximately 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
These times are rough estimates, and actual cooking times may vary based on factors such as the size of the bread cubes, the specific equipment used, and personal preferences for crispiness. It's recommended to monitor the croutons closely, checking for the desired level of golden brown and crispiness during the cooking process.
Croutons Recipe (How to Make Croutons)
Yield:
4 cups
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Croutons: Transform ordinary salads into extraordinary dishes with these homemade croutons. Featuring day-old bread infused with garlic, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, these crispy bites can be crafted on the stovetop, in an air fryer, or in the oven. Versatile and customizable, they're the perfect topping for salads, soups, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preparing the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes.
2. Stovetop Croutons (Cast Iron Skillet):
a. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium heat.
b. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
c. Toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture until evenly coated.
d. Place the coated cubes in the hot skillet, stirring occasionally, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy (approximately 5-7 minutes).
3. Air Fryer Croutons:
a. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
b. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
c. Toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture until evenly coated.
d. Place the coated cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer.
e. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the croutons are golden brown and crunchy.
4. Oven Croutons:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
b. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
c. Toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture until evenly coated.
d. Spread the coated cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
e. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Ways to Customize:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese.
- Sweet Twist: For a sweet version, omit the savory seasonings and toss the bread cubes in melted butter with cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 381Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 613mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 10g
Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best. If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe!
- First published: 2/5/2024
Owner at Life's Little Sweets
Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
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