Crispy Homemade Garlic Parmesan Croutons Recipe for Tasty Salads

Crispy and golden homemade garlic parmesan croutons add a delightful crunch to any salad or soup.

Stale bread becomes a gourmet treasure with this simple technique.

Fragrant garlic and salty parmesan cheese create an irresistible flavor combination.

Cutting bread into perfect cubes takes minimal effort and yields maximum deliciousness.

Kitchen magic happens when you toss those cubes with olive oil and seasonings.

Baking transforms ordinary bread into something extraordinary and addictive.

FAQs

• Can I use any type of bread for these croutons?

Almost any bread works great! Sourdough, French bread, or day-old white bread are perfect choices. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for the best crispy texture.

• How do I prevent the croutons from burning?

Watch them closely during the last few minutes of baking. Stir or flip the croutons halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning. The golden-brown color indicates they’re done.

• Is it necessary to use fresh garlic, or can I use garlic powder?

Both work well. Fresh garlic provides a more intense flavor, while garlic powder is convenient and still delivers great taste. If using fresh garlic, make sure it’s finely minced or grated for even distribution.

Homemade Garlic Parmesan Croutons with Crunch

• Craft Gourmet Salad Toppers: Transform simple bread into restaurant-quality croutons with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Experiment with different bread types, seasonings, and cheese varieties to match your personal taste preferences and culinary creativity.
• Stretch Your Ingredients: Rescue stale bread and turn it into a delicious crunchy topping, reducing food waste while creating a delectable salad enhancement.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these homemade croutons in advance and store them easily, providing a quick and convenient way to elevate everyday salads and soups with gourmet flair.

Ingredients Needed to Make Garlic Parmesan Croutons

• Bread: Sturdy white or sourdough bread that provides the foundation for crispy croutons.

• Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh garlic adds robust flavor while parmesan cheese contributes a rich, tangy taste.

• Butter: Melted butter helps coat the bread cubes and creates a golden, crispy texture.
• Salt, Italian Seasonings: These seasonings add depth and classic herb flavor to the croutons.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the croutons from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures even browning.

How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Croutons

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious crouton magic.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Infusion

In a small bowl, mix freshly grated garlic with melted butter.

Let this flavor-packed combination sit and mingle, allowing the garlic to whisper its deliciousness into the butter.

Step 3: Cube and Coat the Bread

• Bread
• Garlic butter mixture
• Salt
• Italian seasoning

Slice the bread into bite-sized cubes, then toss them generously in the garlic butter.

Spread these golden nuggets onto a cooking spray-coated baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake until the bread cubes transform into golden, crispy delights – about 10 to 15 minutes.

Pull them out and shower with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into dreamy goodness.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow the croutons to cool completely. Once they’ve reached room temperature, transfer to an airtight container.

These crunchy treasures will stay fresh for a few days, ready to jazz up salads or soups whenever you’re hungry.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Croutons

• Swap bread types like sourdough or whole wheat for different flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if using smaller bread cubes to prevent burning.
• Store croutons in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Add extra herbs like dried basil or thyme for more complex seasoning and depth of flavor.
• Control salt intake by using low-sodium parmesan or reducing added salt for health-conscious diets.

Variations to Switch Up Crouton Flavors

• Herb Lover's Croutons: Replace Italian seasonings with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herbal version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread like sourdough or almond flour bread to create a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Kick Croutons: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a zesty, hot flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Healthier Croutons: Swap white bread with whole wheat bread for increased fiber and nutritional value.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve With Croutons

• Crisp romaine lettuce topped with these homemade garlic parmesan croutons creates a classic combination that elevates the entire salad experience.
• The crunchy, cheesy croutons add delightful texture and rich flavor when sprinkled on top of a warm, velvety tomato soup.
• Toss these flavorful croutons into a robust Italian vegetable soup for an extra layer of garlicky, cheesy goodness that enhances every spoonful.
• Crumble these croutons over sliced grilled chicken to add a crispy, savory topping that brings exciting crunch and depth to the main course.

Proper Storage Tips for Garlic Parmesan Croutons

• Refrigerate: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb moisture, keeping them crisp for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer completely cooled croutons to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing crunchiness.
• Oven Reheat: Spread croutons on a baking sheet, warm at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crispness and revive flavors.
• Room Temperature: Let frozen or refrigerated croutons sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to minimize condensation and maintain texture.

Homemade Garlic Parmesan Croutons Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade garlic parmesan croutons elevate salads with restaurant-quality flavor and texture. Bread cubes seasoned with herbs and cheese provide a delightful crunch that makes simple dishes extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 baguette
• 4 tbsps butter, melted
• 3 tbsps parmesan, grated
• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasonings
• salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse minced garlic into melted butter, letting the flavors meld for several minutes.
2. Slice bread into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent sizing for even toasting.
3. Drizzle garlic-butter mixture over bread cubes, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
4. Arrange cubes in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote crisp texture.
5. Sprinkle salt and Italian herbs evenly across the bread cubes for enhanced seasoning.
6. Roast in a preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring once midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
7. Generously dust freshly toasted cubes with grated parmesan cheese during the final 3-4 minutes of baking.
8. Remove from oven and let croutons cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing them to crisp and set.
9. Transfer cooled croutons to an airtight container, where they’ll maintain crunchiness for 3-4 days.

Notes

• Select day-old bread for crispier, more structured croutons that absorb seasoning better without becoming soggy.
• Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with different herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or herbes de Provence.
• Adjust baking time based on bread type and desired crunchiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread or alternative grain-based options like cauliflower cubes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg