Homemade Croutons 4 ingredients! {baked} VIDEO Rachel Cooks® from www.rachelcooks.com
Croutons are a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, from salads to soups to casseroles. Making your own croutons at home is easy, and it allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will show you a simple recipe for making crispy, flavorful croutons that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To make croutons, you will need the following ingredients:
1 loaf of bread (day-old bread works best)
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious croutons:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss them in the oil mixture until they are well coated.
Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake the croutons for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
These homemade croutons are a healthier alternative to store-bought croutons, which are often high in sodium and preservatives. One serving of these croutons (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately:
Calories: 150
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2g
Variations
There are many ways to customize this basic crouton recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cheesy Croutons
For a cheesy twist on these croutons, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the oil mixture before tossing the bread cubes.
Spicy Croutons
If you like your food spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the oil mixture.
Sweet Croutons
For a sweet and savory flavor combination, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the oil mixture.
Herb Croutons
Experiment with different combinations of dried herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are all great options.
Uses for Croutons
Now that you've made your own delicious croutons, here are a few ideas for how to use them:
Salads
Croutons are a classic addition to Caesar salads, but they can be added to any salad for extra crunch and flavor.
Soups
Sprinkle croutons on top of your favorite soup for a satisfying crunch. Tomato soup and French onion soup are both great options.
Casseroles
Add croutons to the top of your favorite casserole before baking for a delicious and crispy topping.
Stuffing
Croutons are a key ingredient in traditional Thanksgiving stuffing. Try making your own stuffing using homemade croutons for an extra-special touch.
Conclusion
Making your own croutons at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create delicious and crispy croutons that will take your dishes to the next level. Try out this recipe and experiment with different variations to find your perfect crouton flavor.
