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