Homemade Croutons – A Delicious Addition to Any Meal
Homemade croutons are the best finishing touch to a salad! Learn what breads to use, how to season them, and how to make sure they’re perfectly crispy.
When planning a holiday dinner, it’s easy to become focused on the main dishes, like ham or turkey, and forget to include a fresh option on the table. A vibrant salad is the perfect addition, bringing a refreshing element to the meal, and it need not be mundane. One of the simplest ways to elevate a salad is by adding homemade croutons. These crunchy delights can easily be customized with a variety of seasonings, making them a favorite among many.
How to Make Basic Homemade Croutons
Let’s start with the basics of crafting homemade croutons. It’s a straightforward process, yet the results are anything but bland. Once you grasp the technique, the possibilities for variations are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups cubed good bread
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
The quality of your ingredients significantly influences the flavor of your croutons. While you can use any type of olive oil, opting for a high-quality olive oil will enhance the final taste. Also, fresh spices will yield a more robust flavor than older ones.
What is the Best Bread to Use?
Steer clear of pre-sliced sandwich bread. For exceptional croutons, choose hearty, chewy bread varieties like:
- Sourdough
- Focaccia
- Ciabatta
- Baguette
The richness in flavor of these breads translates to tastier croutons. Also, more rustic and artisan breads provide both a chewy texture and an open crumb structure, which is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
If you discover you have stale bread, don’t throw it out! Transform it into croutons instead.
Making Basic Croutons
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. They are ready when golden and dry yet still have a slight softness to them. They will continue to harden as they cool, so avoid over-baking.
Once cooled, add your delectable croutons to fresh salads topped with homemade dressings — think ranch, blue cheese, or Caesar!
My Top 3 Tips for Perfect Homemade Croutons
- Use Good Bread: Start with flavorful, chewy bread to ensure your croutons are scrumptious.
- Tear, Don’t Cut: For a delightful texture, tear the bread into pieces instead of cutting it. This creates more crispy edges.
- Don’t Over Crisp: Remove the croutons from the oven when they are still slightly soft in the center to achieve the perfect texture as they cool.
Flavor Variations
While basic croutons are delightful, exploring different flavors makes them even more appealing. Try adding chili powder, smoked paprika, or dried Italian herbs, or sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese for richness. Consider using your favorite seasoning mixes for a new twist.
Storage
To keep homemade croutons fresh, ensure they are completely cool before storing. Keep them in an airtight container or zip-top bag away from moisture for 4-5 days. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can make them soft.
FAQs
Does the Bread Need to Be Stale?
No, fresh bread works too! Just remember that fresh bread needs a little more baking time.
How Do I Prevent Homemade Croutons from Getting Too Hard?
Remove them while still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to become crispy as they cool down.
Can I Freeze Homemade Croutons?
Yes, but they might be a bit soft after thawing. Revive them by reheating in a 400°F oven for a few minutes.
How Else Can I Use These Other Than on Salad?
Croutons aren’t just for salads! Use them on soups, stir them into scrambled eggs for a twist, or crush them for topping casseroles!
