In the realm of culinary delights, croutons stand out as a versatile and flavorful addition to a wide array of dishes. These toasted bread cubes, often gracing salads, soups, and casseroles, add a delightful crunch and savory depth that elevates the overall dining experience. With their golden-brown exterior and soft, chewy interior, croutons provide a textural contrast that tantalizes the palate.
This comprehensive guide offers a culinary journey into the world of croutons, presenting a diverse collection of recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From classic croutons crafted with simple pantry staples to more elaborate variations infused with herbs, spices, and delectable seasonings, this article unveils the secrets to creating exceptional croutons that will transform any meal into a memorable occasion.
Whether you seek a traditional crouton recipe that evokes nostalgic memories or desire to explore innovative flavor combinations that push culinary boundaries, this article has something for every home chef. Discover the art of creating perfect croutons, mastering techniques for achieving the ideal level of crispiness and ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors.
Embark on this culinary adventure and elevate your cooking repertoire with these exceptional crouton recipes. Transform your salads, soups, and casseroles into culinary masterpieces, adding a touch of homemade charm and unforgettable taste to every bite.
EASY CRUNCHY GARLIC CROUTONS RECIPE
Croutons are a great garnish for green salads and (as with any croutons), toss them in at the very last minute to prevent them from getting soggy. You want your bread to be at least a day old. It'll be easier to cut and holds it's shape better. We used my mom's ultra soft wheat bread (Visit NatashasKitchen.com for the video and photo tutorial). You could also use a basic french bread with great results.
Provided by Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Categories Easy
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a small sauce pan, combine: 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir to combine then set aside and let the flavors infuse into the oil while you chop your bread.
- Cut your bread into 3/4" cubes. For goodness sake, don't remove the crust! It adds variety and great crunch to these croutons. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the seasoned olive oil over your chopped bread and toss until bread crumbs have an even coating of oil.
- Spread the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375˚F for
- -20 minutes until they are golden brown and crunchy. (mine took 20 min)
- Serve these up with your favorite green salad.
BEST CROUTONS EVER
These croutons are soft and good. I hate croutons, but I love these!
Provided by Pancake555
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Crouton Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Cut each bread slice into 16 cubes; add bread cubes and garlic powder to melted butter. Stir to coat. Transfer coated bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 126 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
BEST EVER CROUTONS
I loved the croutons at 'The Outback' so much, that I created a recipe that I feel has a similair taste, Now our guests beg for my ceaser salad just for the croutons!!!
Provided by ChickNpie
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 18m
Yield 1 Salad, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cube Bread (large) 1 Slice makes approx 12 - Set Aside.
- Melt butter, garlic and seasoning in microwave for about 45 seconds.
- Add Parmesan cheese to butter mixture.
- Toast bread cubes in a toaster oven on Dark, or in the oven at 375 degrees for about 7 or 8 mins until browned.
- Allow your cubes to cool for a just a moment before tossing them in the butter mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 185.4, Fat 13.4, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 33.8, Sodium 309.4, Carbohydrate 13, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.1, Protein 3.5
GARLIC CROUTONS
A very simple recipe, these croutons are good for a Caesar's Salad or any tossed green salad.
Provided by Cathy Hofmann
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Crouton Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add bread cubes, and toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and dry. Check frequently to prevent burning. Cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 20.4 mg, Fat 7.8 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 100.8 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
THE BEST EVER CROUTONS
These croutons are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside and the best I've ever had. One of the restaurants (Ruby Tuesday's) we go to told me that their croutons were deep fried, so I just had to try my hand at it. Well, it worked and now when I want to indulge just a little I whip up a batch to eat on a salad, my...
Provided by Kimberly Biegacki
Categories Other Snacks
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- 1. Cut up your pumperkickel bread in 1 inch squares or a little larger if you want. I only deep fried them for 10 seconds or less. You want them to be crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside.
- 2. Drain them on a paper towel and sprinkle your garlic salt or beau monde seasonings for a different taste.
- 3. Now you can enjoy them on a salad or just with some homemade ranch dressing.
- 4. Here are the croutons from Ruby Tuesday's on a beautiful salad.
HERBED GARLIC AND PARMESAN CROUTONS
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Categories Condiment/Spread Cheese Garlic Herb Bake Quick & Easy Summer Gourmet
Yield Makes about 5 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small saucepan combine the garlic, the oregano, the basil, the thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, the pepper, and the oil and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, and discard the garlic. In a bowl toss the bread cubes with the oil mixture, spread them in a jelly-roll pan, and bake them in ht e middle of a preheated 350°F oven for 8 minutes. Sprinkle the croutons with the Parmesan and bake them for 7 minutes more, or until they are golden. Sprinkle the croutons with the additional salt and let them cool. The croutons keep in an airtight container for 1 week. Serve the croutons as a topping for tossed green salad.
THE BEST (8 SPICE) CROUTONS EVER!
These are the absolutely BEST croutons I have ever tried! This recipe includes a lot of spices, but the blend is so yummy!! It is a recipe from my university's coffee house. Scatter on salads or soups or just enjoy for snacking! =)
Provided by anmwong
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 20m
Yield 6 cups
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter/margarine.
- Add spices to butter/margarine.
- Pour mixture over bread pieces to coat.
- Spread bread evenly on cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Stir once while baking.
Tips:
- Use a variety of bread types to create croutons with different textures and flavors.
- Cut the bread into uniform cubes so that they cook evenly.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, herbs, and spices before baking to add flavor.
- Bake the croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet so that they get crispy.
- Watch the croutons closely while they are baking to prevent them from burning.
- Store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion:
Croutons are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be added to salads, soups, casseroles, and even desserts. With so many different ways to make croutons, you are sure to find a recipe that you love. So next time you have some leftover bread, don't throw it away. Instead, turn it into delicious croutons!
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