Crispy & Delicious Homemade Croutons
Crispy & Delicious Homemade Croutons
Perfect for Soups or Snacking: Easy Basic Crouton Recipe
Elevate your Saturday morning soup with homemade croutons! Store-bought croutons can be surprisingly pricey, so why not make your own from affordable bread? This recipe is a breeze to whip up and results in wonderfully crispy, savory croutons with a hint of garlic. They’re delicious in soups or just as a crunchy snack!
Crouton Ingredients- 2-3 slices of bread (including crusts)
- 2-3 Tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 pinch of salt
- A little parsley flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your bread. Don’t discard the crusts! They add a lovely texture and richness. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, about 1.5cm to 2cm in size. Aim for a size that’s easy to eat in one bite; cutting them too small might cause them to break apart easily.
Step 2
Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter, and let it melt gently to coat the pan. You can also use olive oil. For an extra flavor boost, you can add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3
Add all the cut bread pieces to the pan with the melted butter. Try to arrange them in a single layer as much as possible, although a slight overlap is okay. This helps ensure even toasting.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to toast the bread. Keep the heat on low! High heat will burn the bread quickly. Toast it gently until it turns golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Step 5
Once the bread starts to turn lightly golden, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of salt. If you’re using fresh minced garlic instead of powder, add it at this stage and toast it with the bread. The salt enhances the overall flavor.
Step 6
Gently toss and stir the bread to evenly coat it with the garlic powder and salt. Continue to stir and toss the bread, perhaps by shaking the pan or using a spatula, for about 2-3 more minutes until all sides are evenly toasted and crispy. This ensures a consistent crunch.
Step 7
Once the croutons are a beautiful golden brown and delightfully crispy, remove the pan from the heat. For an extra touch, sprinkle with parsley flakes. Allow the croutons to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay crispy for several days. Enjoy them with your favorite soup or salad!
