Transform your salads and soups into irresistible dishes with these Low Fat Pumpernickel Croutons! Made with hearty pumpernickel bread, these homemade croutons are seasoned to perfection with a delightful blend of olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. Baked until golden brown and crispy, they are a healthier alternative to store-bought croutons while delivering bold flavors and satisfying crunch. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute additions. Whether sprinkled over a bed of greens or served atop a comforting bowl of soup, these low-fat, homemade croutons will elevate every bite. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week to enjoy their fresh, crisp texture whenever you need.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the pumpernickel bread into 1/2 inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the seasoning mixture.
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle the seasoning mixture over them.
Gently toss the bread cubes with your hands or a spatula to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Once cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Calories |
467 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.3 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1378 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 313 mg | 7% | |
*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.