@BobbyHartCooking

Are you tired of lackluster salads and bland soups? Do you want to take your beloved dishes to the next level without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing an easy, delicious recipe for homemade croutons that will transform your meals from good to gourmet in no time.

Why Croutons?

Croutons are the ultimate culinary accessory. They add texture, flavor, and a delightful crunch to your dishes, making every bite an experience. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can throw them on salads, top off creamy soups, or even snack on them straight from the bowl. Making your own croutons means you can control the flavors and ingredients, ensuring they’re just the way you like them!

The Ingredients:

To whip up a batch of crispy homemade croutons, you will need:

• Sandwich bread cut into small squares (the size is up to you—just think about how you want to enjoy them!)
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning (or more, if you like a punch of flavor)
• 1/2 Tbsp Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your croutons will bake evenly and become perfectly crunchy.
2. Prepare the Bread: Take your sandwich bread squares and toss them into a mixing bowl. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, from whole wheat to sourdough. Each type will bring its own unique flavor!
3. Season and Mix: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, get in there with your hands (or a spatula if you prefer) and mix everything together until all the bread pieces are thoroughly coated. This is where you can get creative—feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences!
4. Bake to Perfection: Spread the seasoned bread pieces out on a cookie sheet in a single layer. This ensures they bake evenly. Pop them in your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to turn golden brown and crispy but not burnt!
5. Cool and Enjoy: Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling will make them even crunchier!

And voilà! You’ve created mouthwatering croutons that will elevate your meals.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that you have your croutons ready, here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy them:

• On Salads: Toss them on your favorite green salad to add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
• With Soup: Sprinkle them on top of creamy tomato or hearty vegetable soups for an added layer of texture.
• As a Snack: Feel free to nibble on them straight out of the bowl—they’re highly addictive!

Final Thoughts:

Homemade croutons are an easy and delightful way to enhance your dishes without spending a fortune. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps! So, the next time you find yourself with leftover bread, don’t toss it out. Repurpose it into these delicious, crunchy gems that your taste buds will thank you for.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your crunchy creations! 🥗✨

Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 10 min Total Time: 15 min

Servings: Varies based on preference

Ingredients

• Sandwich bread cut into small squares
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 Tbsp Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Take your cut sandwich bread squares and put them into a bowl
3. Add the oil, italian seasoning, and garlic powder and mix everything together being sure to coat all sides of the bread pieces. You might need to add more seasoning depending on the amount of croutons you are making.
4. Place coated bread pieces on a cookie sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 10 minutes
5. Remove from oven and let cool.
6. Enjoy!

Notes: Store in an airtight container for 1 week for ultimate freshness.