Ingredients:
- Bread: 1 loaf of day-old Italian, French, or sourdough bread (about 12 oz). Stale bread works best for crispy croutons.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but delicious!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but helps with cleanup)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Cut the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, basil, oregano, parsley, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the bread: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and add the seasoning mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the bread cubes are evenly coated.
- Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional), then spread the bread cubes in a single layer. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Stir them halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool and store: Allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week or two.
Tips:
- Bread choice: Experiment with different types of bread. Rustic Italian, French bread, even a multigrain baguette can be delicious.
- Customize seasonings: Boost the garlic flavor, add a touch of onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Get creative!
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, substitute 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs.
- No-oil option: For a slightly lighter crouton, mist bread with a light cooking spray instead of using oil.
Uses for Your Italian Croutons
- Salads: The classic way to enjoy them!
- Soups: Add crunch and texture to a creamy tomato soup.
- Casseroles: Use them as a topping to mac and cheese or other baked dishes.
- Snack: Munch on them straight from the container.
Enjoy your homemade Italian seasoned croutons!
