I hate store bought croutons so I thought I always hated croutons. That’s until I tried some homemade ones. They are so much better and you get to use up old bread that would normally go to waste.
They are super simple to make too.
Simply get your loaf of bread. Here we are using the Crusty Artisan Bread Recipe.
Cut slices to the desired size of your croutons. I like them pretty big, not too tiny like the store bought ones.
Cut them again to the desired size.
Then start dicing them.
Stick them all in a bowl and add your seasonings. You can add whatever spices and herbs you would like. Just make sure to add some oil, we prefer Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The ones we used were: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, and parsley flakes. I can’t tell exact measurements because you will have different amounts of bread every time.
Dump them all on a sheet pan and place in the oven set to 275 degrees. You’ll want to bake them for 30-45 minutes. You could do a lower setting for a little bit longer if you’d prefer.
They continue to dry out a little after you’ve taken them out so take them out before they get too crunchy…unless you like it that way.
As you can see, they aren’t toasted looking, they are just drying out. You’ll have to taste them and feel them see if they are ready and the way you like them.
I love to eat them on my salad using our Ranch Dressing Recipe.
Or in our Tomato Basil Soup Recipe.
Or I like to just pop them in my out and eat them.
Have fun and don’t let that Crusty Artisan Bread go to waste. Make these!
Croutons
Old Stale Bread (before it gets mold)
Olive Oil
Basil
Oregano
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Pepper
Salt
1-Make sure you have your ingredients and clean your work area.
2-Turn your oven on to 275 degrees.
3-Using your old Artisan Bread cut in into cubes and place in a large bowl.
4-Pour some olive oil around the edges of the bowl and a little on top of the bread. It will depend on how much bread you have. I would say it’s close to around 2 tbsp for ½ of a loaf.
5-Sprinkle some of the rest of the ingredients over the bread and toss it all together.
6-Dump it on a sheet pan and place in the oven for about 30-45 minutes.
7-Let them cool down and use as desired. I love them on a salad with our Ranch Dressing Recipe, placed in a bowl of our Tomato Basil Soup or however you would like.
8-Keep the croutons in an airtight container.
9-Clean up the mess.
10-Eat, Share, Enjoy!!!