Ingredients:
- Bread: 1 loaf of crusty bread (day-old works great), cut into 1-inch cubes. Good options include sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons
- Lime zest: From 1-2 limes
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss bread with oil and spices: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, olive oil, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store: Once cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips:
- Bread choice: Use your favorite kind of bread, but a sturdy bread that won’t get too mushy works best. Feel free to use stale or leftover bread.
- Customize the flavor: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin for different flavor profiles.
- Serving suggestions: These chili lime croutons are great additions to salads, soups (especially tomato or chili-based soups), or enjoy them as a crunchy snack.
