Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- Day-old bread: Approximately 6 slices of your choice (French, sourdough, Italian, whole-wheat, etc.) cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. The size doesn’t have to be exact.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the bread: Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss them with the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the croutons in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Cool and store: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container. They should remain good for a few days at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresher bread: If your bread isn’t day-old, you can pop the cubes in the oven directly and toast them for a few minutes to dry them out before adding the seasoning mix.
- Flavor boost: Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the seasoning mix for richer flavor.
- Herb-tastic: Experiment with fresh herbs like finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Gluten-free: This recipe works well with your favorite gluten-free bread.
Enjoy your homemade Parmesan croutons! They’re perfect for:
- Salads: Adds the ultimate crunch to your favorite Caesar salad or any other creation.
- Soups: Level up tomato soups, French onion soup, or any creamy soup with these croutons.
- Snack: They are a tasty snack on their own!
