Elevate your salads and soups with these hearty and flavorful Heart-Healthy Pumpernickel Croutons! Made with robust pumpernickel bread, these homemade croutons are infused with a medley of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder, then lightly tossed in heart-healthy olive oil to maximize flavor without unnecessary fat. The simple baking process ensures they turn out perfectly crispy and golden, while their unique earthy taste adds a gourmet touch to any dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, these easy-to-make croutons are a healthier alternative to store-bought options, and theyβre perfect for meal prep with a one-week shelf life. Whether youβre garnishing a fresh green salad or complementing a warm bowl of soup, these croutons are sure to impress!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the pumpernickel bread into 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for uniform cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoned olive oil.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through for even baking.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croutons cool completely before using or storing.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Calories |
591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.2 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1083 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.7 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 107 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 302 mg | 6% | |
*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.