Ingredients:
- Bread: 1/2 loaf of slightly stale bread (sourdough, French, Italian, or any crusty bread works well). Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, adjust based on your lemon pepper seasoning)
- Fresh Lemon: 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bread: Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and salt (if using).
- Coat bread: Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the oil and seasoning mixture.
- Bake: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or ungreased). Squeeze a couple of the lemon wedges over the croutons for extra lemony goodness.
Bake until golden brown: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to toss them halfway for even cooking. - Cool: Allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Tips:
- Stale bread is best: Using slightly stale bread helps it get even crispier.
- Customize flavor: Add other dried herbs like thyme or oregano for variations.
- Zest it up: Include a teaspoon of lemon zest to the seasoning mix for an extra pop of lemon flavor.
- Store properly: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Serving suggestions:
- Salads: Top your salads with these croutons for added flavor and crunch.
- Soups: Perfect for garnishing creamy soups, especially tomato or potato soups.
- Enjoy as is: Make a delicious and healthy snack on their own!
