Leftover bread? Don’t throw it away – turn it into something delicious!
Picture this: you’re sitting down to a bowl of fresh tomato soup or a vibrant salad, and you take that first bite… CRUNCH. The perfect, golden, crispy crouton is the star of the show.
Homemade croutons are easy, customisable, and way better than anything you’d find in a bag at the store.
Plus, they’re a great way to breathe new life into any old loaf that’s starting to get a little too “artisanal” for your taste. So grab that leftover bread, and let’s get to work!
WHY MAKE HOMEMADE CROUTONS?
They’re easy! You don’t need a degree in culinary arts – just a loaf of bread, some oil, and whatever spices you’re in the mood for.
Customise them to your heart’s content. Want garlic and herb? Go for it. Feeling spicy? Add some chilli flakes! You can even make them cheesy if you like.
Perfect for every meal. Salad? Croutons. Soup? Croutons. Just a snack? Yep, you guessed it – croutons.
So, how do we get from stale bread to crunchy, golden croutons? Let’s dive in!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 loaf of bread cut into small cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
METHOD
1. Start by cutting your bread into cubes. Want big, hearty croutons? Go for larger chunks. Prefer tiny, bite-sized morsels? Cut them smaller. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. No need to be too precise – remember, we’re having fun here!
2. Now, drizzle that olive oil (or melted butter if you’re feeling fancy) over the cubes. Then, sprinkle on your seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and toss it all around! You want every piece to be evenly coated with that savoury goodness.
3. Lay your seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out nice and evenly. Now, pop them into a preheated 190°C oven and bake until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to give them a flip halfway through to make sure they get that perfect, even crunch. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes (but keep an eye on them – they can go from golden to “whoops” in no time!)
4. Once they’re golden, take them out and let them cool. They’ll crisp up further as they cool. If you somehow manage to have leftovers (unlikely), store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Or just eat them all now. No judgment.
WAYS TO USE YOUR HOMEMADE CROUTONS:
• Salads: whether you’re tossing together a simple green salad or going for a Caesar, croutons are the perfect crunchy finish.
• Soups: tomato soup? Yes, please! Pair those croutons with your favourite bowl of soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Stews: need a savoury topper? Croutons got you covered.
• Snack attack: craving something crispy? Grab a handful of those little cubes of heaven and munch away!
PRO TIP:
If you ever need breadcrumbs, crush your croutons to the desired size using a rolling pin or food processor. Boom, homemade breadcrumbs!
