Crunchy Crouton Crisp
Transform your leftover bread into irresistible *Crunchy Crouton Crisp* with this quick and simple homemade recipe! Featuring cubes of day-old French bread or sourdough tossed in a savory blend of olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, these golden-brown croutons are oven-baked to perfection in just 15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, and you'll have a versatile topping that brings gourmet texture to soups, salads, or even your favorite casseroles. With minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for turning kitchen scraps into a deliciously crispy delight. Perfect for meal prepping, these croutons stay fresh for up to a week, ensuring a satisfying crunch whenever you need it.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups (cubed) Day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or baguette)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cut the day-old bread into ½-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizing to ensure even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until the cubes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the coated bread cubes and mix gently.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between the cubes for even crisping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark. The croutons should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Use them to add crunch and flavor to your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
175 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.8 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 383 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 32 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 58 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
