Add a fiery crunch to your favorite dishes with these Quick Chili Croutons, an effortless recipe that elevates salads, soups, and snacks to a whole new level. Featuring day-old bread transformed into crispy, golden bites seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of black pepper, these bold and smoky croutons are ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish. A drizzle of olive oil infuses each cube with rich flavor while ensuring a perfectly crunchy texture. Whether you're looking for a zesty topping or a satisfying standalone snack, these spiced croutons are a game-changer. Plus, they're super simple to make and a great way to use up leftover breadβperfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings!
1. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
2. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size, and spread them out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Drizzle the seasoned olive oil mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Toss the bread cubes gently with your hands or a spatula to ensure they are evenly coated.
5. Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on the baking tray, making sure they are not overlapping.
6. Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
7. Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray.
8. Serve the chili croutons immediately as a topping for salads, soups, or enjoy them as a snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Calories |
2950 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.0 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5965 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 476.1 g | 173% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.5 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.3 g | ||
| Protein | 87.0 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1230 mg | 95% | |
| Iron | 36.1 mg | 201% | |
| Potassium | 1176 mg | 25% | |
*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.