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This HOMEMADE CROUTONS RECIPE is super simple.  Impress everyone including yourself with these HEALTHY BAKED CROUTONS! I love that these are BAKED and not fried, making them a healthier alternative to this classic recipe. They're the perfect way to take any salad from good to great. 

Healthy Homemade Croutons Recipe

Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This HOMEMADE CROUTONS RECIPE is super simple. Impress everyone including yourself with these HEALTHY BAKED CROUTONS! I love that these are BAKED and not fried, making them a healthier alternative to this classic recipe. They're the perfect way to take any salad from good to great. 
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups rustic bread or baguette crust removed and bread cut into ¾-inch cubes

Optional Seasonings:

  • crushed red pepper Herbs de Provence, basil, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, onion powder. The options are so many - have fun with this recipe.
  • 4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Place oven rack to middle position, and preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the minced garlic for 30 seconds.
    3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
  • Pour the olive oil/garlic mixture through a fine mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Press the garlic with a rubber spatula or the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much garlic oil as possible. Reserve the garlic for another use.
  • Microwave the butter, in a small bowl, at 30% power for 20-40 seconds. The butter could bubble over, so watch closely in the last 10 seconds. Add the oil to the melted butter and stir well.
    3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Add the salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs/seasonings to the butter/oil mixture, then add the bread cubes. Toss until the cubes are evenly coated in the oil/butter mixture.
    Kosher salt, Freshly ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, 3 cups rustic bread or baguette
  • Pour the croutons onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake 15-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  • Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, and toss until all croutons are covered. Allow to cool completely.
    4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Video

Notes

Storage: Store homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 20mg | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.6mg