Elevate your salads, soups, and snacking game with these delightfully crispy Rosemary Garlic Croutons from St. Augustine—a savory nod to traditional flavors with a Floridian twist. Crafted from day-old artisan bread and infused with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and a hint of garlic, these golden cubes are roasted to perfection in extra-virgin olive oil for a rich depth of flavor. The croutons' light seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances their taste while allowing the natural ingredients to shine. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy and versatile recipe is perfect for repurposing stale bread into crispy, flavor-packed bites that can be stored for up to a week. Whether sprinkled over a Caesar salad or paired with a comforting bowl of soup, these handmade croutons will add the perfect crunch and gourmet flair to any dish.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the day-old artisan bread into 1-inch cubes to create uniform croutons. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread cubes. Toss thoroughly to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper crisping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning, until the croutons are golden and crispy.
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or serve immediately as a delicious topping for salads or soups.
Calories |
2868 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5297 mg | 230% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 502.5 g | 183% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.7 g | ||
| Protein | 83.8 g | 168% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 347 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 25.3 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 865 mg | 18% | |
*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.