Description

This Healthy Homemade Croutons recipe transforms rustic bread into crispy, flavorful croutons perfect for salads, soups, or snacking. Using a combination of garlic-infused olive oil and melted butter, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, these croutons bake to a golden brown with a satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare and bake, these croutons add a homemade touch to any dish without unnecessary preservatives or additives.

Ingredients

Scale

Croutons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups rustic bread or baguette, crust removed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
Crushed red pepper, to taste (optional)
4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Place the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F to ensure even baking of the croutons.
Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
Strain Garlic Oil: Pour the olive oil and garlic mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing the garlic with a spatula to extract as much infused oil as possible. Set the reserved garlic aside for another use.
Melt Butter: Microwave the butter at 30% power for 20-40 seconds until melted, watching closely to prevent bubbling over. Add the melted butter to the garlic-infused olive oil and stir well to combine.
Season Bread Cubes: Add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using) to the butter and oil mixture. Add the bread cubes and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoned oil mixture.
Bake Croutons: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, tossing once or twice, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
Add Parmesan and Cool: Remove the croutons from the oven, sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese, and toss to coat. Allow the croutons to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture and crunch in the final croutons.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper according to your desired spice level, or omit for a milder flavor.
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For dairy-free croutons, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese and increase olive oil slightly.
These croutons can be customized with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.