Croutons

Croutons have a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Their origin can be traced to France, where they were initially created as a way to use up stale bread. Early croutons were simple, rough pieces of bread that were toasted to prolong their shelf life and reduce food waste. Over time, they evolved into a beloved culinary element, becoming a staple in French cuisine and beyond. Today, croutons have grown into a diverse and versatile ingredient, popular for their ability to add texture and flavor to salads, soups, and various dishes in cuisines worldwide. Their humble beginnings as a solution to food preservation have transformed into a culinary tradition appreciated by many.

Ingredients

• Stale Bread
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• Optional Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Preparation

Making croutons from scratch is easy! Preheat oven to 375 F. Start by dicing your bread into uniform cubes and tossing them in a large bowl with oil and your preferred seasonings. The seasoning I posted above is not necessarily the only one you have to use. Which ever seasoning is right for you. Spread the seasoned bread cubes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, make sure to arrange them in a single layer.

Bake in the oven, flipping the croutons once halfway through cooking (10 Minutes), and then another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. These crunchy and flavorful croutons are perfect for salads, soups, and more!

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Croutons

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Croutons are small pieces of toasted or fried bread that are commonly used to add crunch and flavor to salads and soups. Their exact origins are unclear, but it is believed that they were first created in France in the 19th century. At that time, they were used primarily as a garnish for soups and stews. Over time, croutons have become a popular addition to salads as well. In the 1940s, American servicemen introduced croutons to the United States, where they became a staple of salad bars. Today, croutons come in a variety of flavors and shapes, and are enjoyed all over the world.

Recipe type: Bread

Ingredients

• Stale Bread
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ¾ tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• Optional Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Making croutons from scratch is easy! Preheat oven to 375 F. Start by dicing your bread into uniform cubes and tossing them in a large bowl with oil and your preferred seasonings. The seasoning I posted above is not necessarily the only one you have to use. Which ever seasoning is right for you. Spread the seasoned bread cubes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, make sure to arrange them in a single layer.
2. Bake in the oven, flipping the croutons once halfway through cooking (10 Minutes), and then another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. These crunchy and flavorful croutons are perfect for salads, soups, and more!

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