Herbed Garlic Croutons
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Herbed Garlic Croutons
These homemade herbed garlic croutons are easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for adding crunch to soups, salads, or as a snack on their own!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of day-old bread (any kind, preferably French or Italian), cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the bread into cubes, aiming for about 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very soft, lightly toast it before cutting to make it easier to handle.
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Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
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Toss the Bread:
- Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic herb mixture over the bread and toss well to coat all the cubes evenly.
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Bake the Croutons:
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through to ensure even baking.
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Optional Parmesan:
- For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the croutons during the last 2 minutes of baking.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once golden and crisp, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
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Store:
- If you have leftovers, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: You can add different herbs like basil, sage, or parsley for variety.
- Cheese: Use other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
- Toasting in a pan: If you don't want to use the oven, you can sauté the bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat with butter and garlic until golden and crispy.
These herbed garlic croutons are the perfect addition to elevate any dish with an extra crunch and burst of flavor!
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