Stale Bread Croutons
Crispy homemade croutons made from stale bread, perfect for salads and soups.
5 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very hard, you can slightly dampen it to make cutting easier.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the bread cubes. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing or using.
Chef's Tips
- Bread Choice: Use any type of stale bread—baguette, sourdough, or whole wheat all work well.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for unique flavors.
- Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Even Coating: Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings for consistent flavor.
- Quick Fix: If you don’t have stale bread, lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes before seasoning.
