Transform your salads and soups with these irresistibly crunchy Herbed Garlic Croutons! Made from day-old bread, these golden bites are tossed in a fragrant blend of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and thyme, then baked to crispy perfection in just minutes. The simple combination of pantry staples like salt and black pepper enhances the croutons' natural flavor, while an optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant, aromatic finish. Perfect as a topping or a standalone snack, these homemade croutons are quick, easy, and a delightful upgrade from store-bought varieties. Plus, theyβre a fantastic way to reduce food waste by giving leftover bread a delicious new life!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cut the day-old bread into 3/4-inch cubes to create evenly sized croutons.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss thoroughly until all cubes are evenly coated with the herbed garlic oil.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy on salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack!
Calories |
3043 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.2 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6083 mg | 264% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 493.6 g | 179% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.0 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.0 g | ||
| Protein | 90.6 g | 181% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 26.2 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 1202 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.