Ingredients:
- Bread: 1/2 to 1 loaf of day-old bread (sourdough, French bread, baguette, etc.). Stale bread works best!
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Fresh rosemary: 1-2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (optional, but delicious)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Prep the bread: Slice the bread into 1/2 inch to 1-inch cubes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the flavor mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Coat the bread cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the seasoned croutons in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Toss halfway through for even browning.
- Cool & enjoy! Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before storing or serving.
Serving and Storage:
- Salads: Rosemary croutons are fantastic for giving texture and flavor to salads.
- Soups: Perfect for topping creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash.
- Snacking: They’re delicious on their own as a crunchy snack.
- Storing: Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Tips:
- Customizable: Add other herbs like thyme or oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Bread type: Experiment with different types of bread for a unique flavor profile.
- Air fryer option: You can also bake croutons in an air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
