Best 7 The Barefoot Contessas Parmesan Croutons Recipes
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and savory flavors of Parmesan croutons, a delightful culinary creation that elevates any salad, soup, or pasta dish to new heights of deliciousness. These golden-brown croutons are meticulously crafted using high-quality ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and taste. With just a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary bread into extraordinary culinary delights.
This comprehensive guide offers a collection of Parmesan croutons recipes, each catering to different dietary preferences and culinary expertise. Whether you prefer classic, gluten-free, or vegan options, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate. Learn the art of creating crispy, flavorful croutons using various types of bread, from rustic sourdough to hearty whole wheat. Discover the secrets of achieving the perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in croutons that are both addictive and versatile.
Along with the classic Parmesan croutons recipe, this article also features variations such as Garlic Parmesan Croutons, Herb Parmesan Croutons, and Gluten-Free Parmesan Croutons. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, detailed ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure success in your crouton-making endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will empower you to create homemade croutons that will impress your family and friends.
PARMESAN CRISPS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Grate the Parmesan using the large grating side of a box grater, as you might use to grate carrots. Combine the Parmesan, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well. With a measuring spoon, spoon level tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans, spreading each round into a 3-inch disk. Toss the mixture each time and scoop from the bottom of the bowl to be sure you get some flour in each spoonful. Bake in the middle of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool on the pans for 5 minutes, loosen with a metal spatula, then cool completely on a baking rack. Serve at room temperature.
- Note: This recipe was doubled for this episode.
PARMESAN ROASTED ZUCCHINI
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Trim the stem end of the zucchini, cut them in half lengthwise, and scoop out a small channel of seeds with a regular teaspoon. Place the zucchini in one layer on a sheet pan, brush generously all over with olive oil, and turn the zucchini cut side down. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until just tender but still firm when tested with the tip of a small paring knife.
- Meanwhile, make the bread crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, parsley, basil, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the panko and 3 1/2 tablespoons of oil and mix well.
- Turn the zucchini cut side up and spoon a heaping tablespoon of the panko mixture evenly on each zucchini. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the panko is crispy. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
CROUTONS
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large (10-inch) saute pan until hot. Add the bread and cook over medium heat, tossing frequently, until the bread is evenly toasted and browned. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S PARMESAN CROUTONS
This recipe comes from Ina's book, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. She says it was devised to use leftover baguettes and she uses them as crackers for appetizers, on top of soup and as a snack. She suggests that you grate whole parmesan rather than buying the already grated kind.
Provided by Irish Rose
Categories Breads
Time 25m
Yield 20-25 toasts, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice baguette diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices. Depending on the size of the baguette, you should get about 20 to 25 slices.
- Lay the slices in one layer on a baking sheet and brush each with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. You can use either plain or flavored olive oil such as basil or garlic. The measurements for the salt and pepper in the ingredients are just estimates and you use whatever amount suits you. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are browned and crisp. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 889, Fat 20, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 5.5, Sodium 3153.4, Carbohydrate 145.5, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 6.6, Protein 32.6
PARMESAN CRISPS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Grate 2 ounces of the Parmesan using the side of the box grater that finely grinds the cheese and then grate 2 ounces of the Parmesan using the side of the box grater that makes long shreds of cheese, and then mix them together. Drop rounded tablespoons of the grated Parmesan on the parchment paper to make neat mounds. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly and loosen with a metal spatula. Serve at room temperature.
THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA
Steps:
- Place the lime juice, agave nectar and mango puree in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the rosemary leaves and using a wooden spoon or stick, muddle the rosemary to release the oils. Add the sherry, tequila and a pinch of chili powder. Shake the drink and strain to remove the rosemary leaves. Add ice and shake again vigorously.
- On a small plate, mix together a pinch of chipotle chili powder with the cane sugar. Run the slice of lime around one-quarter of the edge of each cocktail glass and dip it in the sugar mixture.
- Strain the drink into the cocktail glasses and garnish with the rosemary stem.
BRIOCHE CROUTONS
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 20m
Yield 6 to 8 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the bread about 3/4-inch thick. Cut off the crusts and then cut the slices in 3/4-inch dice. You should have 6 to 8 cups of croutons.
- Place the croutons on a sheet pan and toss them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing once, until they're nicely browned on all sides. Cool to room temperature.
Tips:
- Use a sturdy bread for the croutons, such as a baguette or sourdough. This will help them hold their shape in the oven.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking. This will help them to brown and crisp.
- Bake the croutons at a high temperature, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help them to get crispy quickly.
- Watch the croutons closely while they are baking. They can burn easily, so it is important to remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
- Let the croutons cool completely before storing them. This will help them to stay crispy.
Conclusion:
Parmesan croutons are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. They can be used in salads, soups, stews, and even as a snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your own parmesan croutons at home. So next time you are looking for a way to add some extra flavor and texture to your meals, give these croutons a try!
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