Ingredients:
- Bread: 1/2 loaf of day-old crusty bread (French, sourdough, Italian…your favorite!) cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Cut the Bread: Cut your day-old bread into about 1-inch cubes. Stale or slightly dried bread is ideal as it absorbs the flavors better.
- Make the Flavor Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Bread: Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each cube is evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown, crispy, and fragrant.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before using or storing.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: For the best flavor, use a good quality, crusty loaf of bread.
- Customize Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or your favorite spice blend.
- Storage: Store your onion and garlic croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How to Use Your Croutons:
- Top your favorite salads for extra crunch and flavor.
- Add them to creamy soups for texture.
- Enjoy them as a snack!
