Elevate your salads, soups, and snacks with these irresistibly crispy shaved croutons! Made from thinly sliced rustic artisan bread, these delicate croutons boast a golden, toasty perfection that's lightly infused with the robust flavors of garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Quick to prepare and bake in just minutes, theyβre airy yet crunchy, making them a versatile topping or a satisfying snack on their own. For an added burst of savory richness, sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese as soon as they come out of the oven. Perfect for food lovers seeking a gourmet twist, these homemade croutons are a simple yet impressive upgrade to your culinary repertoire.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Using a serrated knife or a mandoline, carefully shave the loaf of rustic artisan bread into thin slices. Aim for even, delicate pieces about 1/8 inch thick.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
Gently add the shaved bread pieces to the bowl and toss lightly to coat them evenly with the seasoned olive oil mixture. Be careful not to break the delicate slices.
Spread the coated bread slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, as the thin slices toast quickly.
Optional: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the croutons with grated Parmesan cheese while they are still hot. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Let the shaved croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Transfer the cooled croutons to an airtight container for storage, or serve immediately atop your favorite salad, soup, or as a standalone snack.
Calories |
1574 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.7 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 3528 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.8 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 39.5 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 217 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 403 mg | 9% | |
*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.