Ingredients
Croutons
- 6 cups cubed sourdough bread (about a 12 oz. loaf)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the croutons evenly and turning them golden and crispy.
- Prepare Bread and Seasoning: Place the cubed sourdough bread in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle this mixture over the bread while tossing continuously to make sure every cube is well coated.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese over the coated bread cubes and toss thoroughly to distribute the cheese evenly for added flavor and crispiness.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread the bread cubes in an even layer on a large, light-colored baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and toss the cubes to promote even browning. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Cool: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. This step allows them to crisp up further as they cool down.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve these homemade croutons on salads, soups, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. For storage tips, see the notes below.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Variations: You can customize your croutons by adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary along with the garlic powder.
- Cheese-Free Option: Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Bread Alternatives: While sourdough is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use other types of sturdy bread like French or whole wheat.
- Even Cooking: Using a light-colored baking sheet helps prevent the croutons from browning too quickly or burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
