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.
3cupsrustic bread or baguette; crust removed and bread cut into ¾-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4tablespoonsfinely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Seasonings:
crushed red pepperHerbs de Provence, basil, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, onion powder. The options are so many - have fun with this recipe.
Instructions
Place oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil with minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour the olive oil/garlic mixture through a fine mesh strainer 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 bubbly over, so watch closely the last 10 seconds. Add the oil to the melted butter and stir well.
Add the salts, black pepper, your favorite herbs/seasonings to the butter/oil mixture and add the bread cubes. Toss until cubes are evenly coated in the oil/butter mixture.
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.
The croutons will keep in an airtight container up to 3 weeks.