Elevate your salads, soups, and snacks with these irresistibly crunchy and flavorful Garlic Croutons! Made with simple ingredients like day-old bread, olive oil, butter, and a fragrant blend of garlic, oregano, and basil, this recipe turns pantry staples into culinary gold. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, these homemade croutons offer a satisfying crunch infused with savory herb and garlic goodness. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this versatile topping that will instantly upgrade any dish. Plus, they're easy to store, making them a go-to for quick meal enhancements all week long. Say goodbye to store-bought croutons and hello to delicious homemade perfection!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. You should have about 4 cups of cubed bread.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper.
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, then pour the garlic herb mixture over the bread cubes. Toss well to ensure the bread pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crunchy. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely before using.
Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container for up to a week.
Calories |
3250 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.1 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.5 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 6097 mg | 265% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 494.1 g | 180% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.0 g | ||
| Protein | 91.0 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1483 mg | 114% | |
| Iron | 37.1 mg | 206% | |
| Potassium | 1212 mg | 26% | |
*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.