Imagine transforming ordinary bread into crispy, golden nuggets of flavor that will make your salads and soups absolutely unforgettable! These homemade sourdough bread croutons are not just a simple topping, but a culinary game-changer that will elevate your dishes from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create restaurant-quality croutons that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help to achieve a nice golden brown color on your croutons.
- Prepare your sourdough bread by cutting it into cubes. Aim for approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. You can use stale bread for this recipe, as it will hold up better during the toasting process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sourdough bread with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Toss the bread cubes gently until they are well coated with the oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of your choice of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or a blend) to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed over the bread cubes.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even toasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Stir the croutons halfway through the cooking time to ensure they toast evenly.
- Once they are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croutons cool slightly. They will continue to harden as they cool.
- Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or use them immediately to add crunch to your salads, soups, or casseroles.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread for the best texture and crispiness.
- Cut bread cubes into uniform sizes to ensure even toasting.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your croutons breathing room for maximum crispness.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.
- For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Watch croutons carefully in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Let croutons cool completely before storing to maintain their crunch.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
