Pesto Croutons
Elevate your salads, soups, or snacking game with these irresistibly crispy and flavor-packed Pesto Croutons! Crafted from hearty cubes of baguette or rustic bread, these golden bites are coated in a luscious blend of basil pesto and olive oil for a vibrant herbaceous flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) adds a savory touch, while a quick bake ensures the perfect crunch in just 15 minutes. Whether you're topping a creamy soup, adding texture to a fresh green salad, or enjoying them on their own, these homemade croutons are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, they store beautifully for up to a week, making them a convenient pantry addition for any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Baguette or rustic bread
- 0.333 cup Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, finely grated)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the baguette or rustic bread into 1-inch cubes, yielding approximately 4 cups in volume.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto and olive oil. Stir well to ensure the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the pesto mixture.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
Sprinkle the croutons with salt and, if desired, Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Use immediately in soups, salads, or as a snack, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3161 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.0 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 14 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 6533 mg | 284% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 545.8 g | 198% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.2 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 94.2 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 428 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 20.7 mg | 115% | |
| Potassium | 1221 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.
