Transform your salads, soups, and snacks with these irresistibly fragrant Elephant Garlic Herbed Croutons—an elevated twist on a classic staple! Crafted from golden, crispy cubes of day-old sourdough or baguette, these croutons are infused with the bold, earthy flavor of elephant garlic, gently sautéed with melted butter and olive oil to perfection. Fresh parsley and thyme add an herbaceous, aromatic touch, while a hint of kosher salt and black pepper balances every bite. With just 10 minutes of prep and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have perfectly crunchy, herbed croutons that are not only easy to make but utterly addictive. Use them to top creamy soups, fresh greens, or enjoy as a standalone savory snack—these homemade croutons will outshine the store-bought variety every time!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the day-old bread into 1/2-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the minced elephant garlic, olive oil, and melted butter. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.
Remove the garlic mixture from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the garlic-herb mixture over the bread cubes. Use a large spoon or your hands to toss the bread cubes evenly, ensuring they are well-coated without becoming soggy.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the croutons to cool completely. They will firm up further as they cool.
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Serve over salads, soups, or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
Calories |
2290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.3 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.1 g | 126% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3392 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.3 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 55.2 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 812 mg | 17% | |
*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.