Ingredients:
- Bread: 1/2 loaf of day-old bread (French bread, Italian bread, sourdough, or ciabatta work great), cubed into 1-inch pieces.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cube the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, you can let it sit out for a short while to dry slightly for better croutons.
- Make the garlic oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Toss the bread cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the garlic oil mixture over them and toss gently until all the bread cubes are evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the croutons in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crisp, and fragrant. Toss them around halfway through baking for even browning.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before using or storing.
Tips:
- Fresher bread? If the bread isn’t slightly stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature (250 degrees F/120 degrees C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Storing: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Uses:
- Top your favorite salads (Caesar salad is a classic!)
- Add crunch to soups
- Use as a snack
- Incorporate into stuffing or dressing recipes
Enjoy your homemade garlic croutons!
