Homemade Garlic Herb Croutons

Ingredients

• 4 cups (240g) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 4 cups (240g) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the herb mixture.
4. 4.
   Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. 5.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before using or storing in an airtight container.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — Using day-old French bread is ideal for croutons as it has a slightly dry texture, allowing the croutons to crisp up without becoming too hard. If you don't have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread slices in the oven before cutting them into cubes.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the herb mixture before tossing it with the bread cubes.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your croutons. Basil, oregano, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist.
• If you prefer softer croutons, reduce the baking time slightly to achieve a more tender texture.
• Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve these Homemade Garlic Herb Croutons as a topping for salads, soups, or even as a crunchy addition to a charcuterie board. They also make a delicious snack on their own.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, over the croutons just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness.