Garlic Parmesan Croutons are so good, you may never get the store bought ones again!
It’s no secret I’m bread obsessed. I mean, hello! Look at the name of this site. But if you can believe it, I’d never made my own croutons. I’ve meant to more time than I can count, and it just never happened. But this week I grabbed to bull by the horns and got on it!
Now I’m kicking for not doing this sooner! These croutons are a snap to make and have a great flavorful. They totally made my salad, and I was all proud of myself for making them from scratch as I scarfed that salad down. Seriously, the next time you have some French bread or a baguette that’s been sitting for a day or two don’t throw it away! Make croutons instead. Your salad will love you for it.
Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 loaf French bread 2 days old, about 4 cups
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine garlic and oil. Set garlic steep for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
-
Cut bread into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
-
Strain garlic from oil and pour oil over bread. Add 1/2 the garlic the oil to the bowl. Season with Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir with a large spoon until bread cubes are well coated and seasonings are evenly distributed.
-
Pour bread cubes onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, and then stir croutons. Bake for another 15 minutes, and then group the croutons together so they're touching. Bake for another 10 minutes.
-
Remove croutons from the oven and let cool to room temperature before serving.
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Ooooh, Julie, I need these croutons STAT! Salads without a crunch are not salads in my book. I haven’t made homemade croutons but you totally h ave me convinced 🙂
Marci says
These look so simple and delicious. The kind of taste and crunch that every salad needs!