Are you the type of person who throws away the last few pieces of bread in a loaf? If you are then you need to stop that right now and start freezing it until you have enough to make yourself a batch of these crunchy and so amazingly tasty homemade croutons.
I use to buy bags and bags of these things from the grocery store. Then I experimented with making my own to save a little money. You know how the price of stuff goes up a few cents but the net weight goes down? It seemed that just about every other time I went to the store the bags were getting lighter and lighter until I finally put my foot down and said “I’m not paying that price!” Yes, I say that a lot these days:) Homemade is so much better anyways.
I’ve tried a few different variations of seasonings when making these but I seem to keep coming back to a few simple ingredients…olive oil, salt, pepper, grated parmesan cheese. See? Few and simple.
I know olive oil is kinda on the pricey side but that is one pantry item I splurge on. It brings the flavor of the croutons up a notch. Know what I mean? You could, of course, use vegetable oil, canola oil, or heck, just spray on some non-stick cooking spray. Whatever floats your boat. But my boat floats on olive oil;)
You could also use whatever seasonings or spices you have on hand…garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried dill, parsley…you get my drift.
Here’s my easy and simple recipe with the few ingredients I’ve come to like coating my homemade croutons.
Ingredients
- bread-any kind, shape or form-cut into ½ inch cubes
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- parmesan cheese-grated
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375°
- Place cubed bread in a large bowl.
- Drizzle all over with evoo.
- Season with salt, pepper and parmesan cheese.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread seasoned bread on a large foil lined cookie sheet.
- Cook for 14-18 minutes, or until lightly golden, stirring halfway through.
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I never throw away bread as they are also great to make your own bread crumbs and stuffing. I hear you on this one and it’s so much cheaper too!
Oops, forgot to mention, digging out the crock pot tomorrow as we are close to the 100 degree mark today, in the SHADE! Where are you in north Florida, we could be neighbors and don’t know it. Drop me a line if you would like.
That’s a good idea. I think I’m gonna be using mine most of the week;)