Crouton recipe - easy recipe to make at home

Homemade croutons are something easy and fun to make out of leftover bread. Here’s why you should make homemade Croutons rather than using store bought ones.

1. Crouton recipes are easy to customise to fit your dietary and taste requirements. Use normal or gluten free or make the crouton small or large or too crispy, you can decide on various factors.
2. You have better control over the ingredients and the quality of ingredients that go into making them. Choose oils and spices that fit your palate instead of what might be used by manufacturers.
3. They can be made in 30 minutes. Once made they can be stored for up to 1 week in an air-tight container or if frozen they can be reused for up to 6 weeks.
4. It’s a fun and beginner recipe to try it with your kids.
5. They make perfect additions to your Salads, soups, chowder, chilli, stuffing or just as snacks. If you are in need of breadcrumbs, just put the croutons in a food processor. You save money by repurposing leftover bread and not having to buy Croutons from the shops

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1. Leftover bread, at least a day or two old. Crusty loaves are ideal such as French, Italian or Sourdough.
2. 3 tablespoons of Olive oil
3. Melted butter (optional).
4. 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder.
5. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (change to other seasoning if you prefer)
6. Salt and Black pepper to taste

Additions

1. Onion powder, lemon pepper
2. Dried Basil, dried Oregano, dried Dill, Rosemary
3. Chilli flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Pour Olive oil, melted butter and others seasonings into a bowl and mix well.

3. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle

4. Cut the bread into 3/4-inch cubes. A grown up can help cube the bread if kids are helping with the cooking.

5. Spray the olive oil and seasoning mix on the bread cubes. Toss the bread cubes to ensure the cubes are evenly coated.

6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper

7. Spread the cubes evenly out on the baking sheet so the cubes aren’t too close and touching.

8. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown, turning once halfway through. Cooking time depends on the type of oven, size of the bread cubes and type of ingredients. So watch carefully to ensure the croutons don’t get burned.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool down. Resist the temptation to finish the first batch as they are cooling down :)

10. Once cooled, the croutons can be stored in an airtight container outside for 1 week or can be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 6 weeks.