Garlic croutons are a tasty way to boost your salads and soups, giving them that perfect crunch and flavor. You'll need day-old crusty bread, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and optional herbs. Toss everything together, bake until golden, and you've got a delicious topping ready in no time. They can be stored easily and last about a week. Want to explore different flavor options and tips? Keep going for more delicious ideas!
History
Croutons have a fascinating history that dates back to ancient Roman cuisine, where cooks cleverly toasted stale bread to minimize waste.
The term "crouton" comes from the French word "croûte," meaning "crust," and signifies small pieces of toasted or fried bread.
Over time, garlic croutons emerged as a popular variation, providing a flavorful addition to salads and soups.
The technique of infusing bread with garlic and herbs before toasting gained traction in the 20th century, particularly in Italian and French kitchens.
Today, you can enjoy homemade croutons, which allow you to customize flavors and freshness to your liking.
Whether you prefer classic or garlicky croutons, they're a delicious way to elevate your meals!
Recipe
Garlic croutons are a delightful addition to salads and soups, providing a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor. They're incredibly easy to make at home and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Using day-old crusty bread, such as sourdough or baguette, ensures that your croutons achieve the perfect crispness while enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Garlic croutons add a satisfying crunch and can be easily customized to elevate your salads and soups.
The combination of butter, olive oil, and garlic creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. In just a short time, you can transform simple bread into golden, crunchy croutons that elevate any meal.
Whether you enjoy them sprinkled over a fresh garden salad or added to a cozy bowl of soup, homemade garlic croutons are a versatile and delicious topping. Let's get started with the recipe so you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and any optional herbs you wish to add. Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated.
Spread the croutons out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to promote even toasting and prevent burning, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor of your croutons even further, consider infusing the olive oil with garlic and herbs before mixing it with the bread. Allow the oil to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Additionally, feel free to customize the seasonings based on your preferences, adding spices like paprika or chili powder for an extra kick. Once prepared, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for a quick and delicious topping anytime!
Cooking Steps
To get started on your garlic croutons, preheat your oven to 375°F and toss the bread cubes with your favorite seasonings.
Once everything's well coated, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake until they're golden brown.
After baking, let them cool before serving or storing for later use.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F
Preheating the oven to 375°F is a crucial step in making perfectly crispy garlic croutons. This ensures your croutons cook evenly and achieve that desirable golden brown color.
Before you start, let the oven heat for at least 10-15 minutes. Position your baking sheet on the middle rack to allow for even heat distribution, preventing any burning or uneven cooking.
When you're ready, spread your fresh bread cubes in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. This will help them toast uniformly.
Remember to keep a close eye on them during the initial baking phase, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. Adjust the baking time if you're using denser bread for optimal crispiness.
Step 2. Toss Bread Cubes With Seasoning
Cut your bread into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and better seasoning adherence.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs or spices to create a flavorful mixture.
Add the cubed bread to the bowl, then gently toss until all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
Make sure to coat each cube well to maximize flavor.
Once coated, spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet; this step is crucial for promoting even toasting.
If you want an extra flavor boost, consider adding grated parmesan cheese or additional spices like Italian seasoning before baking.
Your croutons are almost ready for the oven!
Step 3. Bake Until Golden Brown
Once you've got your oven heated to 350°F (175°C), it's time to bake those seasoned bread cubes.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they're not crowded. This helps them achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, but don't forget to stir every 5 minutes to promote even browning. Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes; croutons can quickly shift from golden brown to burnt.
The aroma of toasted bread mixed with minced garlic will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. These croutons will be a delightful addition to your favorite salads and soups!
Step 4. Cool and Serve Croutons
After baking, let those golden brown croutons cool on the baking sheet for about 2 to 3 minutes.
This short cooling period is essential to ensure they reach their perfect crunch.
Once they've cooled slightly, you can transfer them to an airtight container.
Make sure to spread them out to allow for optimal air circulation, which helps maintain their great flavor.
If you can resist the temptation, let them cool completely before sealing the container.
These cool and serve croutons are perfect for snacking or as a tasty topping for salads and soups.
Step 5. Add Herbs for Extra Flavor
To elevate the flavor of your garlic croutons, incorporating fresh herbs into the olive oil mixture is a game changer. Start by finely chopping herbs like rosemary and thyme, then mix them with minced garlic and olive oil. Adding raw sunflower seeds to your dish can provide a healthy boost of protein and healthy fats. It's important to note that sustainable practices in sourcing ingredients can also enhance the quality of your cooking.
Toss this fragrant blend with your cubes of bread to ensure every piece is coated. For an extra aromatic boost, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or oregano while mixing.
Bake the croutons until they're golden and crispy, then consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish. For a punch of flavor, you can even reincorporate reserved minced garlic and herbs immediately after they come out of the oven. Adding chia seeds to your meals can enhance the overall nutrition of your dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful croutons!
Final Thoughts
While you may think of croutons as just a simple garnish, homemade garlic croutons truly elevate your dishes in so many ways.
These crunchy delights are perfect for enhancing your favorite Caesar salad or adding texture to soups. Using crusty French bread and infusing olive oil with garlic and herbs creates a flavor explosion that store-bought options can't match.
You can easily customize them with different seasonings, like powdered parmesan, to suit your taste. Once baked, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Croutons Does Olive Garden Use?
When you're enjoying a meal at Olive Garden, you'll find that they use croutons made from their signature Italian bread.
These croutons are baked fresh daily, ensuring a crispy texture that enhances your salad or soup. Seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, they boast a distinct flavor that many diners love.
The toasty, golden-brown finish adds an appealing crunch, making them a standout addition to your dining experience compared to typical store-bought options.
How Long Do Garlic Croutons Last?
Ever wonder how long your homemade goodies can last?
When it comes to croutons, they're best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a while. At room temperature, they'll stay good for about a week in an airtight container.
If you refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks. For even longer storage, consider freezing them; they'll maintain their crunch for several months.
Just remember to let them cool before sealing!
Are Croutons Healthier Than Bread?
Croutons can be healthier than bread, but it really depends on how they're made. If you choose whole grain or high-fiber bread and prepare them with minimal oil, you can enjoy a nutritious snack.
However, store-bought croutons often contain added fats and preservatives, which can increase calorie and sodium content.
What Happened to Rothbury Farms Croutons?
You might feel like a beloved book has been taken off the shelf when thinking about Rothbury Farms croutons.
Once a staple for salads and soups, they faced a storm of supply chain issues and shifting consumer tastes. As healthier options emerged, Rothbury Farms struggled to keep pace, eventually reducing their marketing efforts.
With changes in ownership, their croutons disappeared from many stores, leaving loyal fans searching for a familiar crunch that's now gone.
